In a recent interview with Extra, Dwayne Johnson shared his candid reaction to leaked paparazzi photos from the live-action Moana set. The actor, best known for voicing Maui in Disney’s animated Moana films, reflected on the challenges of maintaining secrecy during filming, despite rigorous efforts by the production team to secure the location.
“We shot outside, and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘Shit, we got caught,'” Johnson admitted. “We were putting up walls to block any view, but the paparazzi got clever—they used boats to take the shots.”
The leaked photos, which quickly circulated on social media, gave fans their first glimpse of Johnson in character as Maui. However, it wasn’t just the sneak peek that caught their attention—eagle-eyed viewers were quick to comment on his noticeably bulkier appearance.
During the interview, the 52-year-old actor addressed the buzz surrounding his look, revealing that his larger-than-life physique for Maui was achieved with the help of a custom-made body suit.
“That’s a suit that took a long time to put on,” Johnson explained, expressing relief that fans believed the transformation was natural. “I’m so happy you said, ‘You bulked up,’ because when you say that, it means you couldn’t tell it was a suit.”
Johnson’s portrayal of Maui in the live-action adaptation is highly anticipated, given his iconic role in the original animated films. Directed by Tony Award-winning filmmaker Thomas Kail, the live-action Moana promises to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved story while staying true to its Polynesian roots.
The film is slated to hit theaters in 2026, building excitement as fans eagerly await its release. Despite the unplanned reveal, Johnson’s lighthearted approach to the leaked photos underscores his dedication to embodying Maui’s larger-than-life personality and physicality, ensuring the live-action Moana captures the magic of its animated predecessor.
