Watch Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson hold Maui’s magical fish hook and hug Moana in FIRST video for remake
Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson stepped into the shoes of his character, Maui, as he filmed scenes in the first video of the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s Moana.
The Red One actor, 52 – who showed off his buff physique while shooting parts of the project in Hawaii this week – was seen gripping a large, magical fish hook belonging to his character on the sandy shore of a beach.
Maui is a Polynesian demigod in the film – and his fish hook gives him the unique power to shapeshift into different creatures.
A camera could be seen a few feet away while he was also surrounded by other cast and crew members for the busy day of filming.
He was also joined by his leading co-star, Catherine Laga’aia, 17, who is portraying the role of Moana in the fantasy musical – which is an adaptation of the 2016 animated movie.
At one point, both Dwyane and Catherine were spotted saying a few lines and then fell into a hug as the warm sun shone down on the group.
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Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson, 52, stepped into the shoes of his character, Maui, as he filmed scenes in the first video of the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s Moana
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Johnson further got into character by wearing a green, traditional Ti leaf skirt and went shirtless to show off his muscular frame and various tattoos.
He additionally wore a long, brown wig as well as a chunky, whalebone necklace and thick brown bracelets on each of his wrists.
Catherine also dressed as her character of Moana wearing a strapless, brown-patterned top and cream-colored skirt that fell down past her knees.
The star’s brunette locks were parted to the side, and flowed down past her shoulders in light waves.
A large black screen was planted on the sand next to the camera as the two stars filmed a scene for the live-action remake – which is slated to hit theaters in July 2026.
First look photos of Dwyane and Catherine on set were also seen on Wednesday as they filmed the screen spectacular.
In between takes, the actor was spotted donning a pair of shades as he strolled around the set.
He joined Laga’aia – the young actress who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, Moana – during the day of filming.
The Rock gives a ‘special peek’ at upcoming ‘Moana’ sequel
The Red One actor was seen gripping a large, magical fish hook belonging to his character on the sandy shore of a beach
Maui is a Polynesian demigod in the films – and his fish hook gives him the unique power to shapeshift into different creatures
A camera could be seen a few feet away while he was also surrounded by other cast and crew members for the busy day of filming
Johnson further got into character by wearing a green, traditional Ti leaf skirt and went shirtless to show off his muscular frame and various tattoos
+15
View gallery
Catherine also dressed as her character of Moana wearing a strapless, brown-patterned top and cream-colored skirt that fell down past her knees
A large black screen was planted on the sand next to the camera as the two stars filmed a scene for the live-action remake – which is slated to hit theaters in July 2026
First look photos of Dwyane and Catherine on set were seen on Wednesday as they filmed the screen spectacular
The Sydney, Australia native is a relative unknown with Samoan heritage.
Laga’aia previously said: ‘I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites.’
‘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.’
She added, ‘I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.’
Auli’i Cravalho, 23, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, is reprising the titular voice role for the second installment of the animated version – set for release on November 27 2024.
Rounding out the new cast members for the remake are John Tui, 49, who play her dad Chief Tui, Frankie Adams, 30, portrays her mom Sina, while Rena Owen, 61, takes on the Gramma Tala character.
#MOANALiveAction is scheduled to premiere in theaters July 10, 2026.
Thomas Kail will be directing the live-action version, and famed Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda is doing the music for the movie.
Laga’aia previously said: ‘I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites’
Thomas Kail will be directing the live-action version, and famed Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda is doing the music for the movie
Kail is working from a screenplay by Jared Bush, who served as the writer of the fully animated Moana (2016), which went on to become a smash hit with fans, grossing $687.2 million while working with a $150-175 million budget.
In Moana, the title character sets sail to seek Maui in order to save her island from ecological disaster.
She convinces him to accompany her on her voyage to recover his magical fish hook and restore the heart stone that he stole from the goddess Te Fiti.
Moana is a passion project of sorts for The Rock, considering he has Samoan citizenship due to his mother being Samoan, according to IMDb.
‘This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul,’ he said of Moana.
‘There is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.’
Sean Bailey, Disney Live Action’s president of production, recognized that only seven years had passed since the animated Moana film was released, but took into account that the celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary contributed to the decision to remake the film so soon.
Moana 2 – written and directed by Dave G. Derrick Jr. – is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 27, 2024.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson BTS of Moana live action announcement
