Dwayne Johnson's Maui in Live-Action Moana: A Polynesian Journey

0:00On March 23, Disney just dropped the trailer for the live-action Moana, giving fans their first full look at Dwayne Johnson transformed into the buttery, demigod Maui. He's rocking a massive wig and heavy prosthetics that added about 40 pounds to his frame during filming. The movie sticks to the original story where young Moana, played by newcomer Catherine Laga Ayah, sails out to restore the heart of the goddess Tay, Fiti, which Maui stole long ago. Taking those ocean scenes meant dealing with a wig that weighed 7 extra pounds when wet, plus a thick bodysuit in scorching heat. Johnson called it grueling, with crew members fanning him between takes just to cool down. They opted for practical effects over full digital to make Maui feel real and alive on screen. For Johnson, stepping into Maui hid deep because of his Polynesian roots. His grandfather and father were trailblazing wrestlers who faced prejudice, and he seized the role as a way to honor that legacy and empower kids to. Venture beyond the familiar.

1:01The production made sure every department celebrated authentic Polynesian culture. Director Thomas Kale, fresh from stage hits like Hamilton, treated this as a live musical with real village sets built for the shoot. He worked closely with composer Lin Manuel Miranda to capture the wind swept, wayfinding spirit right on location. The live action Moana sails into theaters on July 10th, blending that timeless tale with fresh energy straight from the source. Entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI, bringing you what's trending.