The First Pictures Of The Live-Action "Moana" Are Here

Natasha Jokic
·1-min read

As Moana 2 inches closer to us, there's new info on the separate live-action adaptation.

Animated character with long hair, wearing a patterned dress and shell necklace, stands by the ocean at sunset
Walt Disney Co. /Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Yes, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is set to bring his role as Maui to real life, alongside being an executive producer. Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia will take on the titular role, while original voice actor Auli'i Cravalho will also be an executive producer. The movie is set to come out in July 2026.

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

Now, we have new paparazzi pics from the shoot in Hawai'i. As well as Dwayne and Catherine, you can see the floral outline of Moana's boat:

Crew and actors on a beach film set, with equipment, boom mic, and lighting visible
The Image Direct / BACKGRID

A clearer image of Dwayne also shows the actor in his full costume (with sunglasses):

The Rock with tattoos in leaf skirt and necklace on a beach set, surrounded by crew
The Image Direct / BACKGRID

For comparison:

Man with tattoos in leaf skirt and necklace on a beach set, surrounded by crew
Man with tattoos in leaf skirt and necklace on a beach set, surrounded by crew
Animated character Maui from
Animated character Maui from

The Image Direct / BACKGRID, Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Dwayne previously said that Maui was partially inspired by his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. He explained, "How deep this story is for me, because in a way, when I bring Maui to life, I'm doing it in the spirit of my grandfather."

Person wearing a suit and a leaf garland poses on a "Moana 2" event red carpet
Darryl Oumi / Getty Images

What do you make of this remake? LMK in the comments!

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