Dwayne Johnson Films Live-ActionMoanain Beefy Maui Costume: See the Set Photos from Hawaii

Mar. 15, 2025

Dwayne Johnson films “Moana” on Nov. 20, 2024.Photo:The Image Direct / BACKGRID

The Image Direct / BACKGRID

Dwayne Johnsonis bringing Maui to the real world.The actor, 52, appeared in costume on the set of the live-action reimagining of Disney’sMoanafor the first time in Hawaii on Wednesday, Nov. 20.Johnson wore a grass skirt, long black wig and the tattoos of his demigod character Maui as he filmed scenes along a beach, with a boat used for filming seen in photos from the set.Disney and Johnson first announced that 2016’sMoanawouldreceive a live-action adaptationduring the company’s April 2023 shareholder meeting.The new movie hasAuli’i Cravalho, who voices the title character in the animated movies, as an executive producer. NewcomerCatherine Laga’aiawas cast to star in the live-action version alongside Johnson.Dwayne Johnson films ‘Moana’ on Nov. 20, 2024.The Image Direct / BACKGRID"I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites," Laga’aia said in a statement at the time of her casting in June. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa.““I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” she added.Dwayne Johnson films ‘Moana’ on Nov. 20, 2024.The Image Direct / BACKGRIDIn July, Johnson shared in an Instagram post thatproduction on the live-actionMoanawas slated to begin in August and shared news regarding the rest of the movie’s cast.John Tui, who held a role in Johnson’s NBC seriesYoung Rock,will play Moana’s father Chief Tui.Frankie Adamswill play Moana’s mom Sina, whileRena Owenwill play her grandmother, Gramma Tala.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.DisneyMoana 2furthers the animated characters' stories and sees 23-year-old Cravalho reprise her voice role as the fictional Polynesian Disney princess.“When life gets tough ~ if you wanna get through it, you just gotta CHEE HOOO it,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post Nov. 19, as he displayed moments from the upcoming animated film.“Thank you all so much for the anticipation and excitement for our #Moana2. Our epic journey begins in theaters on THANKSGIVING DAY. and special shout to the little forces known as the Moana-be’s.“The live-actionMoanais set to hit theaters July 10, 2026.Moana 2is in theaters Nov. 27.

Dwayne Johnsonis bringing Maui to the real world.

The actor, 52, appeared in costume on the set of the live-action reimagining of Disney’sMoanafor the first time in Hawaii on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Johnson wore a grass skirt, long black wig and the tattoos of his demigod character Maui as he filmed scenes along a beach, with a boat used for filming seen in photos from the set.

Disney and Johnson first announced that 2016’sMoanawouldreceive a live-action adaptationduring the company’s April 2023 shareholder meeting.

The new movie hasAuli’i Cravalho, who voices the title character in the animated movies, as an executive producer. NewcomerCatherine Laga’aiawas cast to star in the live-action version alongside Johnson.

Dwayne Johnson films ‘Moana’ on Nov. 20, 2024.The Image Direct / BACKGRID

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said in a statement at the time of her casting in June. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa.”

“I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” she added.

In July, Johnson shared in an Instagram post thatproduction on the live-actionMoanawas slated to begin in August and shared news regarding the rest of the movie’s cast.

John Tui, who held a role in Johnson’s NBC seriesYoung Rock,will play Moana’s father Chief Tui.Frankie Adamswill play Moana’s mom Sina, whileRena Owenwill play her grandmother, Gramma Tala.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Disney

Moana 2furthers the animated characters' stories and sees 23-year-old Cravalho reprise her voice role as the fictional Polynesian Disney princess.

“When life gets tough ~ if you wanna get through it, you just gotta CHEE HOOO it,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post Nov. 19, as he displayed moments from the upcoming animated film.

“Thank you all so much for the anticipation and excitement for our #Moana2. Our epic journey begins in theaters on THANKSGIVING DAY. and special shout to the little forces known as the Moana-be’s.”

The live-actionMoanais set to hit theaters July 10, 2026.Moana 2is in theaters Nov. 27.

source: people.com