Dwayne Johnson Confirms He’s Wearing a Bodysuit for Live-Action ‘Moana’ After Set Photos Leak: ‘I Was Like, “S—, We Got Caught”’

Ellise Shafer
Updated ·2-min read

Dwayne Johnson may be known for his muscles, but in order to play the larger-than-life demigod Maui in the upcoming live-action “Moana,” he’s getting a little help from a bodysuit.

The actor and WWE wrestler, who is currently promoting “Moana 2,” was asked during an interview with Extra if he’d bulked up for the role. Though Johnson was pleased that the suit appeared realistic, he admitted that he can’t take credit for Maui’s physique.

More from Variety

“That’s a suit that took a long time to put on,” Johnson said. “So, I’m so happy you said, ‘You bulked up,’ because when you say, ‘You bulked up,’ that means you couldn’t tell.”

When set photos leaked of Johnson playing Maui, it ignited an internet debate as to whether the actor was indeed wearing a bodysuit. However, in addition to helping Johnson achieve demigod-sized muscles, Maui also has dozens of tattoos on his chest, arms and back that are much easier to replicate with a suit. “That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,” Johnson said.

Of the photos leaking, he added: “We shot outside and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘Shit, we got caught,’ cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi. But they got into boats and started shooting pictures.”

The live-action “Moana,” which sees newcomer Catherine Laga’aia take on the title role, is set to release in summer 2026. For now, Disney fans can head to the movie theater to watch “Moana 2,” the animated sequel to the original 2016 film. It’s expected to make a splash at the box office this weekend, having earned Disney Animation’s biggest preview haul in history with $13.8 million.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Latest stories