Live-Action Moana Reveals First Look at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Total Transformation

Watch:2024 Oscars: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Dishes on New Live-Action ‘Moana’ Film!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is making waves with his new look. 

The 55-year-old was spotted in full costume as his character Maui while filming the live-action remake of Disney’s Moana in Hawaii, and he looked nearly identical to his animated counterpart.

During the Nov. 21 shooting day, Dwayne went shirtless—showing off his abs and full chest of tattoos—while rocking a traditional Ti leaf skirt and forearm guards. He topped off the ‘fit by donning a whale-tooth necklace and tying his long wig in a half-up hair style. 

And those aren’t the only signature Maui items that the Red One star—who also voices the demigod sidekick in the 2016 animated original and its upcoming sequel—was spotted sporting. At one point, Dwayne was also seen carrying his character’s trademark fishhook. 

And while the rest of the costumes have yet to be unveiled, the cast set to join Dwayne on set has been revealed. Back in June, Disney announced that Catherine Laga’aia would take on the titular role of Moana, while John Tui will play her father Chief Tui. Plus, Frankie Adams will portray Moana’s mother Sina and Rena Owen is stepping in as Gramma Tala.

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Dwayne Johnson’s Most Inspirational Quotes

For Catherine, she’s most excited for the opportunity to tell such an empowering story through the live-action version, which is slated to be released July 10, 2026.

“I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples,” she shared in a June statement to Disney, “and to represent young girls who look like me.” 

The Image Direct / BACKGRID

As for Dwayne? The former WWE star—who is dad to daughters Jasmine, 8, and Tiana, 6, with wife Lauren Hashian, as well as daughter Simone, 23, with ex Dany Garcia—echoed Catherine’s sentiment that inspiring young girls to see how far they can go is an important theme throughout the franchise.

“I think that the main thing about Moana is this idea of female empowerment,” Dwayne previously told E! News, “and this idea that we always say, ‘What’s it like being on the reef and looking beyond the reef?'”

David Livingston/Getty Images

In fact, he’s really impressed with how Moana 2, which hits theaters Nov. 27, expands upon that idea. 

“It’s this idea that what people like to do—especially to young girls—is kind of constrain them,” he continued, “and pretzel them into, ‘You can only be so much.’ But in Moana 2, you can actually be anything you want.”

To catch up on more upcoming movie releases, keep reading. 

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Sydney Sweeney delivers a knockout performance as she transforms into real life boxing hero Christy Martin in this much-anticipated biopic.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Frankenstein – November 7, 2025

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.

Where to Watch: In select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming on Netflix on Nov. 7.

Predator: Badlands – November 7, 2025

The newest entry in the Predator franchise is set in the future on a remote planet and follows a young Predator who is outcast from his clan, and must embark on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Elle Fanning also stars.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Die My Love – November 7, 2025

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson headline this black comedy-drama that focuses on a new mother struggling with postpartum depression after moving to rural Montana.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Nuremberg – November 7, 2025

A WWII psychiatrist (Rami Malek) evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials in 1945, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe). Also starring Colin Hanks, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Michael Shannon and Richard E. Grant.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Nouvelle Vague – November 14, 2025

Director Richard Linklater reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, a film that shaped the French New Wave in 1960. Starring Zoey Deutch as iconic actress Jean Seberg.

Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 31, streaming on Netflix starting November 14.

The Running Man – November 14, 2025

Glen Powell stars in this adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novel (which also inspired the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie of the same name) about a deadly competition where contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Keeper – November 14, 2025

Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) stars in this horror flick about a wife who becomes isolated in a secluded cabin and must face an evil entity that unveils the property’s haunted past.

Where to Watch: In theaters

A Very Jonas Christmas – November 14, 2025

Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas team up for this Christmas caper which sees the brothers face a series of escalating obstacles as they try to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. Also starring Chloe Bennet, Billie Lourd, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Danielle Jonas, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – November 14, 2025

Original cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco return for this third entry in the magic-infused heist thriller franchise, along with new cast members Rosamund Pike and Dominic Sessa.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Wicked: For Good – November 21, 2025

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) face off in this epic conclusion to 2024’s hit Broadway movie adaptation.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Rental Family – November 21, 2025

Brendan Fraser stars as an American actor who struggles to find purpose until he moves to Tokyo and lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Eternity – November 26, 2025

In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025

This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2016 animated hit promises a return to Animal Metropolis with familiar faces Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) along with some new characters like Gary D’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) and quokka therapist Dr Fuzzyby (Quinta Brunson).

Where to Watch: In theaters

Hamnet – November 27, 2025

Based on the award-winning 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell and directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the story of how William Shakespeare endured family tragedy to create his masterpiece, Hamlet. Starring Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Joe Alwyn.

Where to Watch: In select theaters on Nov. 27, expanding nationwide on Dec. 12.

Oh. What. Fun. – December 3, 2025

This fresh twist on the classic holiday-comedy features a star-studded cast as one big dysfunctional family, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, and Eva Longoria.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video

Merrily We Roll Along – December 5, 2025

Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez star in the live stage filming of the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth‘s musical.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Jay Kelly – December 5, 2025

George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup and Laura Dern star in this “heartbreaking comedy” from writer-director Noah Baumbach.

Where to Watch: In theaters Nov. 14 and streaming on Netflix Dec. 5.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – December 9, 2025

The 2023 horror hit gets the sequel treatment, with returning stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lilllard joined by new characters played by Mckenna Grace and Skeet Ulrich.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Merv – December 10, 2025

When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – December 12, 2025

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc for his most dangerous case yet, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Glenn Close, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis and Kerry Washington.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix

Ella McCay – December 12, 2025

An all-star cast (Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri) leads this comedy about an idealistic young woman juggling her family and work life.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Avatar: Fire and Ash – December 19, 2025

Director James Cameron delivers the third film in his blockbuster Avatar franchise, promising a darker storyline as Jake and Neytiri’s family clash with the Mangkwan Clan, also known as the Ash People. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Kate Winslet,Oona Chaplin, and Michelle Yeoh.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Is This Thing On? – December 19, 2025

Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, this comedy-drama follows a middle-aged comedian navigating an impending divorce.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Goodbye June – December 24, 2025

It’s nearly Christmas when an unexpected turn in their mother’s health thrusts four adult siblings, and their exasperating father, into chaos as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut and stars alongside Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, and Timothy Spall.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix

Song Sung Blue – December 25, 2025

Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Marty Supreme – December 25, 2025

Timothée Chalamet takes the lead in this 1950s-set sports drama about a young man with a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion.

Where to Watch: In theaters

The Housemaid – December 19, 2025

Based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden, this thriller follows a young woman (Sydney Sweeney) who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple (Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar)  and soon finds herself trapped in a seductive game of secrets and scandal.

Where to Watch: In theaters

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – December 19, 2025

SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail on a seafaring comedy-adventure, complete with ghost pirates.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Anaconda – December 25, 2025

Jack Black and Paul Rudd star in this comedy adventure about two friends who travel to the Amazon to film a remake of their all-time favorite snake movie, and find themselves facing off against an actual giant anaconda.

Where to Watch: In theaters

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