Dwayne Johnson is reprising his role as the demigod Maui in Disney’s live-action remake of "Moana," premiering July 10, 2026 [2].
The return of the character marks a significant milestone for the franchise, bridging a decade of cinematic history while attempting to bring Polynesian culture to a global audience through a new medium.
Johnson spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the experience of returning to the role. He said that revisiting Maui hits him in the feels, reflecting on the emotional connection he maintains with the character [1, 4]. The production of the live-action film involved filming in Hawaii to maintain authenticity to the setting [4].
To achieve the physical presence of the demigod, Johnson wore a bodysuit that weighed 40 pounds [3]. This costume was essential in transforming his physique to match the larger-than-life scale of the animated version of Maui.
The live-action adaptation arrives exactly 10 years after the original animated "Moana" debuted in 2016 [1]. This anniversary timing aligns with the film's release date of July 10, 2026 [2].
Alongside Johnson, the film features Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana [4]. The project aims to share Polynesian culture globally, providing a platform for representation, and allowing Johnson to revisit a character that became a staple of his career over the last decade [4].
“Returning to Maui “hits him in the feels””
Disney's decision to release the live-action Moana exactly a decade after the original suggests a strategic effort to capture both the original 2016 audience and a new generation of viewers. By utilizing a physical transformation for Johnson and filming on location in Hawaii, the studio is attempting to balance the spectacle of a blockbuster with cultural authenticity.
