“See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me”. If you ever sang along to How Far I’ll Go with the same level of intensity as Moana herself, you’re not alone. Now, get ready, because Disney’s live-action Moana is setting sail, and we’ve just caught our first glimpse of the magic in motion. And, spoiler alert: it’s already giving us big vibes!
We all remember that iconic 2016 animated movie that stole our hearts. But now, it’s time to bring some real flesh to the game, as Disney has dropped behind-the-scenes photos of the live-action Moana flick, and let’s just say… it’s definitely got people talking.
Fans got their first look at the titular Moana, played by Catherine Laga’aia, and of course, none other than Dwayne Johnson is back in action as Maui, the mighty demigod. Speaking of muscles, it seems like someone’s been hitting the gym (or perhaps a costume department?) because those bulging muscles on The Rock are causing quite the stir.
First Look: Moana’s Live-Action Magic Unfolds with Maui & Moana in Costume
We knew it was coming, but now we’ve got our first behind-the-scenes photos of the live-action Moana. Thanks to some insider snaps from the set, we can see how the magic is unfolding on one of the most beloved beaches on Oahu’s West Side. According to @reelnewsHawaii, the set photos reveal the iconic stars in full costume—and yes, Dwayne Johnson is rocking his demigod persona like nobody else.
The big man himself, Maui, is donning his signature long, dark hair (no surprise there—he’s got a serious mane) and showing off those jaw-dropping tattoos. And as for Moana? Catherine Laga’aia, who’s taking on the role, looks absolutely ready to navigate the high seas, decked out in her famous costume.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Disney’s Asad Ayaz posted a picture (via Instagram) celebrating ‘Oahu Day 1’ of filming. And let’s just say, this wasn’t just a “let’s grab a coffee” moment—creative members are holding Maui’s enormous hook, surrounded by a seriously upgraded version of one of the boats we’ve seen on screen before.
Of course, no Hawaiian set would be complete without the breathtaking views, so Ayaz also shared some snaps of the stunning surroundings that will surely make fans feel like they’re right there on the sand, ready to sail into the sunset.
Moana Live-Action: Maui’s Muscles or Magic?
We’ve all been there—waiting for the next big thing, and when it finally arrives, it’s not quite what we expected. In the world of live-action remakes, Disney certainly knows how to keep us on our toes. But let’s be real—when it comes to Moana, we’ve been holding our breath for more than just the ocean’s waves. And what did we get? Well, a first look at the live-action Moana has fans diving into deep waters of confusion and even a little disappointment.
When you have Dwayne Johnson—the man whose muscles could make any bodybuilder jealous—donning what many fans are calling a muscle suit to play Maui, well, let’s just say that raised a few eyebrows. The Rock, who has spent years bulking up for roles like Black Adam, might need a little extra help filling out Maui’s iconic form in this live-action adaptation.
Of course, this revelation didn’t exactly sit well with the Disney faithful. Social media was flooded with reactions, and it wasn’t pretty. Let’s have a look at a few fans’ comments:
that’s a muscle suit. the Rock is wearing a muscle suit.
— Adam the Ex-Terminator (@RatKiller2023) November 20, 2024
I thibk it’s mostly because he needs to look bigger but also he has his own tattoos so they probably made a muscle suit that matches mauis tattoos
— MemeBean5 (@Memebean51) November 20, 2024
Yeah it all makes sense. DJ most likely wants to honor that spiritual history. He’s got a good reason for it, no doubt. But…The Rock is in a muscle suit.
— Adam the Ex-Terminator (@RatKiller2023) November 20, 2024
Most things on Hollywood or tv are fake
— Andrew Duzant (@AndrewDuzant) November 21, 2024
Fat muscle suit
— Stockgamble (@Stockgamble1) November 21, 2024
But before we get too carried away, let’s remember—these behind-the-scenes photos are just raw, unpolished images. No CGI magic, no camera tricks, just the real deal. Ergo, with the film still in production and the CGI enhancements yet to come, there’s room for hope. But fans are clearly watching closely and with high expectations.
Let’s just hope the magic of Moana’s world doesn’t sink under the weight of expectations. So, as we wait for Moana to sail into theaters (muscles and all), let’s keep our fingers crossed for a movie that gives us all the magic of the original—with just a few extra biceps for good measure!
Moana will be released on July 10, 2026.
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