In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dwayne Johnson discussed his transformation into Maui for the live-action Moana movie coming to theaters this summer.

Dwayne Johnson Talks About Playing Live-Action Maui

While performing in the live-action Moana movie, Dwayne Johnson remarked that he underestimated the grueling but rewarding nature of his transformation as Maui. He wore a 40-pound bodysuit that took an estimated two and a half hours every day to put on. The wig alone weighed seven pounds, allowing the hair to have lift and authentically accentuate Maui’s mana – spiritual energy that is tied to his appearance.

Johnson notes that there was an idea for only using visual effects in the movie, but it was decided that a bodysuit that moved and breathed as Johnson did would be the best iteration for Maui and his animated tattoos. Johnson also said that he had only four weeks to prepare for his role in Moana, which required him to maintain his muscular physique, lest Maui have a “skinny neck” amidst a “large bodysuit.”

Johnson also reflected on his and his family breaking barriers as professional wrestlers while being part of a subculture that was not covered by the media. He told the outlet he feels honored to represent Polynesian culture through the empowering message of traveling beyond the reef and taking risks that the Moana movie promotes.

You can read the full interview here.

Live-Action ‘Moana’

In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the Oscar-nominated animated movie, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on a journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho (the original voice of Moana in the animated films Moana and Moana 2).

Moana features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina.

The movie releases in theaters on July 10, 2026.

Disney released the official trailer and a first look at the movie a few days ago. You can watch the Moana trailer below:

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