Dwayne Johnson Brings Maui to Life in Jaw-Dropping New ‘Moana’ Live Action Trailer
Disney has dropped a brand-new trailer for the live-action version of Moana, giving fans a closer look at Dwayne Johnson stepping into the role of the demigod Maui in full, real-world form. The announcement came on Monday, March 26, via Disney and Johnson himself.
In this latest trailer, audiences get to see Johnson’s long black hair and signature tattoos as Maui, bringing the fan-favorite character from the original animated films to life. Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, and her singing makes an appearance alongside familiar faces like the glittering crab Tamatoa. The trailer promises action, adventure, and the same heart that made Disney’s 2016 animated Moana and its 2024 sequel such big hits, according to a report from Disney.
“Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people,” the movie’s official synopsis reads.
The ocean chose her for a reason 🌊
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 23, 2026
Experience @Disney’s MOANA only in theaters JULY 10.
~ 🪝 pic.twitter.com/Syz4bgkOBR
The live-action adaptation is directed by Thomas Kail and produced by Auli‘i Cravalho and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the original Moana voice star and composer. Photos from November 2024 showed Johnson on set in Hawaiʻi, bare-chested and bulked up for the role. Talking to Extra, he explained, “That [suit] is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,” highlighting the effort that went into bringing Maui to life.
The ocean is calling.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 23, 2026
Join Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua on an unforgettable adventure 🌊
Disney's #Moana only in theaters July 10!
~🪝 pic.twitter.com/euL17n59DN
The movie also stars John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina, and Rena Owen as her grandmother Gramma Tala. Disney is continuing its trend of live-action remakes, with upcoming projects including a Hercules movie and a live-action sequel to last year’s Lilo & Stitch.
Moana will hit theaters on July 10. With this trailer, Johnson’s Maui looks ready to steal the show, blending physicality, charm, and a touch of magic. The live-action adaptation is shaping up to be a visually stunning adventure. What do you think of Dwayne Johnson as Maui? Share your thoughts in the comments.