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Home Movies Movie Features

Dwayne Johnson Is Returning as Maui in the Moana Live-Action Movie—Here’s What We Know

Hannah LieberumbyHannah Lieberum
April 4, 2023
0
Dwayne Johnson Will Play Maui In A Live-Action Moana Movie

After being unceremoniously dropped by Warner Bros. after Black Adam, fans had been curious about what Dwayne Johnson would do next. He finally answered that question yesterday when he posted a video on Twitter, along with the words: “Humbled to say we’re bringing #MOANA’s beautiful story to the live action big screen! #MAUI changed my life (miss you, grandpa), and I’m honoured to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell out story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people”. Inspired by his announcement, several people (including Anderson Luis) took to Midjourney to see what the former WWE star would look like as the animated character he brought to life in a live-action Moana movie. The results were incredible.

  • Johnson as a Live-action Maui
  • Fan Response To A Live-Action Moana Movie

Johnson as a Live-action Maui

Maui is the shape-shifting demi-god of the wind and sea brought to life by Johnson in Moana. His hook grants him power, and he is a bit of a troublemaker who spends most of his time making Moana’s life difficult as she tries to convince him to restore the heart of Te Fitti. His tattoos tell his life story; most come to life as he wishes.

live-action Moana movie

The animated character’s facial structure was based directly on the Rock. This detail is made starkly apparent when Maui moves his eyebrows, so it’s not too difficult to imagine him as the character. The AI-generated images definitely help, though.

live-action Moana movie

In every image, Johnson is sporting Maui’s thick curly hair and a plethora of tattoos. When a traditional-looking headdress doesn’t cover his forehead, the tattoos do. In addition, all the images are devoid of Johnson’s smile and show him looking seriously off into the distance as he seemingly plans his next move.

live-action Moana movie

His mischievous smile is one of the most essential parts of the character. He spends most of the film hiding behind his music, smiles and sass, doing all he can to keep Moana from learning anything significant about him until she eventually breaks his walls down. I’m curious to see what Maui’s shark-head form will look like.

Fan Response To A Live-Action Moana Movie

When Moana first came out, people loved it, from the music, animation, story, and incredible effects Disney had managed to pull off. It was well-received, and the world couldn’t get enough of it.

So, when Johnson announced that he would be reprising his role as Maui in the live-action film, many fans were immediately excited by the idea. They began complimenting the newly created AI art, quoting his iconic musical number and being positive about his return.

However, some fans were less pleased about the announcement of the live-action Moana. They pointed out that the film had just recently turned 6, and many were still enjoying the incredible animation. Therefore, they don’t feel making Moana a live-action movie is necessary.

RELATED: What Happened To The Rock’s Live-Action Johnny Bravo Movie?

What are your thoughts on the live-action Moana movie?

Moana

In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out Maui to set things right.

movie poster
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Running Time: 107 minutes
Release Date: November 23, 2016
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Auliʻi Cravalho
Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
Writers: Jared Bush
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Family, Fantasy
Box Office: $687.2 million
Tags: DisneyDwayne JohnsonLive-Action MoviesMovie News
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About the Author: Hannah Lieberum

Hannah Lieberum is, first and foremost, a geek with a passion for writing. Her love for reading, from the classics through to sci-fi, often needs her to focus and overanalyse the narrative of films and games.

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