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“See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me”. If you ever sang along toHow Far I’ll Gowith the same level of intensity as Moana herself, you’re not alone. Now, get ready, because Disney’s live-actionMoanais 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-actionMoanaflick, 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-actionMoana. 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 Johnsonis rocking his demigod persona like nobody else.
Welp, you film out in public on one of the most popular beaches on the West Side and you’re bound to have people take pics and get a leak or two, especially if you’re Maui and Moana.pic.twitter.com/u8pkCqmfeb
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 (viaInstagram) 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.
MoanaLive-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 toMoana, 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-actionMoanahas fans diving into deep waters of confusion and even a little disappointment.
The Rock Can’t Even Hide It Anymore, Dwayne Johnson Getting Slapped in Red One Gets UFC’s Godfather Dana White’s Attention
When you have Dwayne Johnson—a 260 lbs hunk 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 likeBlack 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.
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
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.
Most things on Hollywood or tv are fake
Fat muscle suit
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.
“The Rock didn’t spend any time struggling”: Dwayne Johnson Gets Called Out For His Struggle Story, Fans Accuses The Rock is Lying
Let’s just hope the magic of Moana’s world doesn’t sink under the weight of expectations. So, as we wait forMoanato 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!
Moanawill be released on July 24, 2025.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
