Dwayne Johnson Transforms Into Epic Live-Action Maui in New ‘Moana’ Trailer
Disney has dropped an exciting new trailer for its live-action adaptation of Moana, giving fans a closer look at Dwayne Johnson stepping into the role of the demigod Maui in the flesh. The announcement came on Monday, March 23, with Johnson reprising his voice role from the animated films while teen actress Catherine Laga’aia takes on the lead role as Moana.
The new trailer highlights Johnson’s dramatic transformation, featuring his long black hair, intricate tattoos, and the bulked-up physique he showed off during filming in Hawaiʻi last year. “That [suit] is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,” Johnson told Extra, giving fans a peek behind the scenes of his Maui look. The footage also showcases Laga’aia’s singing, along with familiar elements from the original films, including the beloved crab Tamatoa.
“Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people,” reads the official synopsis. The 2016 animated Moana and its 2024 sequel were huge hits, and Disney is hoping the live-action version captures the same magic.
The ocean chose her for a reason 🌊
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 23, 2026
Experience @Disney’s MOANA only in theaters JULY 10.
~ 🪝 pic.twitter.com/Syz4bgkOBR
The movie is directed by Thomas Kail and produced by Auli‘i Cravalho and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the original voice of Moana and the film’s composer. Johnson is joined by John Tui as Moana’s father Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina, and Rena Owen as her grandmother, Gramma Tala.
The ocean is calling.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 23, 2026
Join Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua on an unforgettable adventure 🌊
Disney's #Moana only in theaters July 10!
~🪝 pic.twitter.com/euL17n59DN
Disney has been steadily expanding its live-action slate, with upcoming remakes of Hercules and a live-action sequel to Lilo & Stitch also in the works. The live-action Moana is set to hit theaters on July 10.
This new trailer proves that Disney is leaning into spectacle and star power, and Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into Maui looks impressive. Personally, seeing him bring the demigod to life is thrilling, and it raises excitement for what could be one of the summer’s biggest family blockbusters.
What do you think of Johnson as Maui and the live-action adaptation overall? Share your thoughts in the comments.
