Dwayne Johnson brings Maui to the real world.
The actor (52) appeared in costume on the set of a live rerun of the Disney film Moana first time in Hawaii on Wednesday, November 20.
Johnson wore a grass skirt, long black wig and tattoos of his demigod character Maui as he filmed scenes along the beach, with the boat used for filming seen in set photos.
Disney and Johnson first announced that in 2016 Moana will get a live adaptation during the shareholders’ meeting in April 2023.
The new film has Auli’i Cravalho, who voices the title character in the animated films, as executive producer. Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia was cast in the action version alongside Johnson.
Dwayne Johnson Films ‘Moana’ November 20, 2024
Direct image / BACKGRID
“I’m really excited to take on this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said in a statement at the time of casting in June. “My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palaula, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoeg Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all the peoples of the Pacific Islands and represent young girls who look like me,” she added.
Lilo & Stitch First look: See the ‘cute and fluffy’ blue alien come to life in a live-action remake
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(574x0:576x2)/dwayne-johnson-the-rock-moana-112124-1-2325fc70098c4123bfb1e4ce5f2bbfe4.jpg)
Dwayne Johnson Films ‘Moana’ November 20, 2024
Direct image / BACKGRID
In July, Johnson shared that live-action production in an Instagram post Moana was set to begin in August and shared updates on the rest of the film’s cast.
John Tui, who had a role in Johnson’s NBC series young rock, will play Moana’s father Chief Tui. Frankie Adams will play Moana’s mom Sina, while Rena Owen will play her grandmother Gramma Tala.
Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(706x316:708x318)/moana-2-053124-4-4af254158528473bbb15837c544e5b0e.jpg)
Disney
Moana 2 deepens the stories of the animated characters and sees 23-year-old Cravalho reprise her voice role as the fictional Polynesian Disney princess.
“When life gets tough ~ if you want to get through it, you just have to CHEE HOOO,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post on Nov. 19, while showing moments from the upcoming animated film.
“Thank you all for your anticipation and excitement for our #Moana2. Our epic journey begins in theaters on THANKSGIVING. and a special shout out to the little powers known as Moana-be.”
Live action Moana arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026. Moana 2 in cinemas on 27.11.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education