Fans are openly expressing their opinions on Dwayne Johnson’s appearance for the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Moana. Following his portrayal of the beloved Maui demigod in the animated films Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024), Johnson is set to reprise his role in Disney’s live-action remake of Moana.
Although Johnson is returning as Maui, Catherine Laga’aia will take on the role of Moana, replacing Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced the character in the earlier films. With the release of the new Moana live-action trailer, fans have flocked to Twitter (X) to express their concerns regarding Maui’s appearance in the upcoming film.
In response to the initial reveal, one fan CricFlix stated, “Live-action was a mistake. Some things are better left animated. This is one of them.”
Navaneeth Kulal another fan remarked on Maui’s makeup and hair, “That hair and his face is a mess lol.”
Another fan NoContextSpoof drew a comparison between the images and a Saturday Night Live sketch, contending that, “It’s amusing how much more energy Dwayne Johnson displayed in an SNL sketch parodying live action Disney remakes compared to his appearance in that Moana trailer.”
While certain fans were entirely put off by the live-action portrayal, others embraced it wholeheartedly.
“He was literally born for this role, as a very large, muscular Hawaiian native, lmaooo,” commented one fan named Pink. Another fan, hoping this tweet reaches you in good spirits, attributed the less favorable appearance to the set photos, “Wait, from these paparazzi pictures and videos, he looks somewhat better.”
The live-action adaptation of Moana was initially revealed in April 2023, featuring Johnson returning to portray Maui. The actor, who is also a former WWE Wrestler, expressed that this character holds a significant meaning for him, as it allows him to showcase his Polynesian heritage on the cinematic stage.
According to Dwayne Johnson, “You transition from that to Moana, a story that has been warmly received worldwide in such a profound manner. It’s also a part of something that is incredibly empowering and uplifting for both children and adults. It embodies the concept of looking beyond the unseen reef, acknowledging that life can be daunting, and sometimes you must take risks while maintaining your faith. This is why I feel a unique bond, pride, and deep gratitude to be here.”
Alongside Johnson portraying Maui and Laga’aia as Moana, the live-action cast of Moana includes John Tui in the role of Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The direction is in the capable hands of Thomas Kail, known for his work on the live-stage recording of Hamilton available on Disney+.
The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who both contributed to Moana 2, with Bush also being the writer of the original film. Following the impressive $386 million global Box Office opening weekend of Moana 2, which culminated in a staggering total of $1.06 billion worldwide, anticipation is soaring for the live-action Moana remake.
This is true even amidst the mixed early reactions regarding Maui’s portrayal in live action. The remake is set to debut less than two years after the sequel’s release and just a decade after the original film hit theaters, introducing yet another intriguing element that could influence it’s Box Office success.