Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is stepping back into the role of Maui for Disney’s live-action Moana, and recent leaked set photos have the internet in a frenzy.
The 52-year-old superstar was spotted on set looking as muscular as ever, sparking chatter about whether he bulked up even more for the demigod’s signature shirtless look. Turns out, Johnson isn’t relying solely on his gym routine for Maui’s larger-than-life physique.
During an interview with Extra, the action icon revealed the truth behind the transformation: “That’s a suit that took a long time to put on. So, I’m so happy you said, ‘You bulked up,’ because when you say, ‘You bulked up,’ that means you couldn’t tell.”
He added, “That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on. We shot outside, and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘Sh-t, we got caught,’ cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi. But they got into boats and started shooting pictures.” Despite the leaked snaps, The Rock is keeping a positive outlook. “I can’t wait. The movie comes out in 2026,” he teased.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Moana 2, the animated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster, is already making waves. Set to hit theaters on November 27, it’s shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest releases. Fans can catch Maui in animated action soon, but the wait for Johnson’s live-action take will keep the anticipation alive.
What are your thoughts on The Rock’s epic Maui transformation? Are you excited for both Moana 2 and the live-action adaptation? Share your thoughts below and let us know if you think this version of Maui will live up to the animated original!