People online are sharing their strong reactions to Dwayne Johnson’s appearance in the upcoming live-action version of Moana.
Dwayne Johnson is bringing back his popular role as the demigod Maui, this time in Disney’s live-action version of Moana. He previously played Maui in the animated Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024). While Johnson returns, Catherine Laga’aia will play Moana in this new film, taking over the role from Auliʻi Cravalho, who originally voiced the character.
With the release of the new live-action trailer for Moana, fans on X (formerly Twitter) are expressing concerns about the appearance of Maui in the upcoming film. Many have shared their reactions to the first glimpse of his live-action design.
CricFlix expressed disappointment with the live-action version of Moana, stating that some stories are better suited for animation. Navaneeth Kulal criticized Maui’s makeup and hair, calling it messy. NoContextSpoof compared the recent trailer to a Saturday Night Live sketch, pointing out that Dwayne Johnson seemed to have more energy while parodying Disney remakes on SNL than he did in the actual Moana trailer.
The live-action appearance divided fans, with some strongly disliking it while others were accepting. One fan, pink, enthusiastically tweeted, “He was born for this role! A very large, muscular Hawaiian native, seriously!” Another user, may this tweet find you doing your best, suggested the initial set photos didn’t do the actor justice, saying, “Looking at the paparazzi pictures and videos, he actually looks much better.”
Disney announced a live-action version of Moana in April 2023, with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson returning to play Maui. Johnson has said he’s proud to reprise the role because it allows him to celebrate his Polynesian background.
He explained to Entertainment Weekly that after working on previous projects, Moana resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. He felt a strong connection to the film’s empowering message about facing fears, taking risks, and maintaining hope even when things are uncertain – a message that inspires both children and adults to look beyond their comfort zones. He expressed gratitude for being involved in such a meaningful project.
The live-action remake of Moana stars Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, alongside John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Thomas Kail, known for directing the filmed version of Hamilton on Disney+, is directing the film. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who also wrote Moana 2, co-wrote the screenplay, with Bush having previously written the original Moana movie.
Following the huge success of Moana 2, which earned $386 million worldwide on its opening weekend and ultimately grossed $1.06 billion globally, there’s a lot of anticipation for the upcoming live-action remake of Moana. This is true even though some early looks at the live-action version of Maui have been controversial. The remake is being released quickly – less than two years after Moana 2 and just ten years after the original film – and this unusual timing will likely play a role in how well it does in theaters.
Moana hits theaters on July 10.
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2026-03-24 05:54