Dwayne Johnson is back in the spotlight as he’s set to reprise his role as the iconic demi-god Maui in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana. The animated film, which took the world by storm upon its release in 2016, has been a hot topic of discussion as Disney navigates the future of its beloved characters. While fans eagerly await the animated sequel, Moana 2, also slated for a Thanksgiving release on November 27, 2024, they’re getting a sneak peek into the live-action rendition.
Recently surfaced photos from the movie set have sparked considerable buzz online, showcasing The Rock in full character mode. Although the images are somewhat blurry, it’s clear that he embodies Maui with his signature outfit — a grass skirt and the striking tribal tattoos that fans have come to associate with the character. Additionally, his curly locks have been captured remarkably, reflecting Maui’s distinctive hairstyle from the original film.
In this live-action iteration, the role of Moana has seen a change, with Catherine Laga’aia taking over from Auli’i Cravalho, who lent her voice to the character in the animated version. The transition to a live-action framework is part of a larger trend at Disney, which has seen a slew of remakes of animated classics. Yet, there’s an intriguing tension at play: can these fresh takes coexist with the existing narratives, especially when the animated sequel is on the horizon?
While fans might be thrilled to witness The Rock transform into Maui once again, questions linger about the implications of releasing a live-action version so soon after the animated original. Will this dual franchise approach — launching both a live-action and an animated sequel — dilute the storytelling or enhance it? That remains to be seen.
As we approach the theatrical debut of the live-action Moana on July 10, 2026, excitement and curiosity continue to build. How do you feel about this new interpretation of such a cherished film? The stage is set, and Disney is certainly banking on capturing the magic of the original while also appealing to a new generation.
