Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns to Disney, unveils first look at live-action Moana remake

The Rock is coming back to his role of demigod Maui in the beautiful world of Moana, as Disney unveils its first look at the upcoming live-action movie. The WWE star shared the short video on his social media account, where the beloved village of Motunui comes to life with its people and the vast ocean at its feet.

The Rock will return to his role of Maui alongside Moana, as her unwilling partner to restore the heart of Te Fiti, but this time, not in an animated show.While The Rock was not a part of the first trailer video, and only a blink-and-miss view of Moana herself, who will be played by Catherine Laga'aia was shared, fans are already in love with what they saw. The movie is set to be released next year, and viewers are already excited to see what Disney and the cast and crew have in store for us.

Disney's live-action Moana live action brings back The Rock's Maui

The Rock gave voice to the character of Maui - a demigod who travels alongside the character of Moana, in the first animated adaptation of the story. And now this story will be brought to life with a live-action adaptation, where The Rock will return to his character, but this time, in all his glory as the man himself, not just an animated version.

While there was a clip of Maui diving into the sea before showing off his shape-shifting abilities, The Rock's face was kept out of the trailer for the unveiling.

His co-star, Catherine Laga'aia - who plays Moana in the live-action adaptation- will be taking over for Auli‘i Cravalho, who gave voice to the titular character in the animated version. They will be joined by John Tui, who will be playing the role of Chief Tui - Moana's father, Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina, and Rena Owen as her grandmother, Gramma Tala. Cravalho will return as a producer for the upcoming movie alongside the original composer of Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it will be directed by Thomas Kail. The movie is set to hit the theater on July 10, 2026.Also Read: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson hits Travis Kelce with a cool reality check on how kids will flip his world