Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson reveals the truth behind his epic Maui muscles for Moana after viral fan theory

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson revealed that he has been wearing a bodysuit to portray his character Maui in the live-action remake of Disney’s Moana.

The Red One actor, 52 – who has been busy promoting the sequel Moana 2 – was spotted last week showing off his buff physique on set of the adaptation in Hawaii.

The star – who plays the Polynesian demigod Maui in both the animated films and the upcoming project – went shirtless to show off an array of tattoos on his muscular arms and chest.

However, some fans jumped to social media to speculate that Johnson was possibly wearing a bodysuit.

During an interview with Extra ahead of the release of Moana 2 on November 27, Dwayne was asked about bulking up for the live-action movie and achieving his buff form on set.

‘That’s a suit that took a long time to put on. So, I’m so happy you said, “You bulked up,” because when you say, “You bulked up,” that means you couldn’t tell.’

‘That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,’ the star further explained to the outlet.

‘We shot outside and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, “S**t, we got caught,” ’cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi.’

Johnson added, ‘But they got into boats and started shooting pictures. So, but I’m happy you liked it. I can’t wait. The movie comes out in 2026.’ 

Earlier last week, first look photos of Dwayne as Maui emerged as he shot scenes for the film alongside his co-star, Catherine Laga’aia – who has taken on the role as Moana. 

He was also spotted gripping his character’s magical fish hook on set – which gives Maui the unique power to shapeshift into different creatures.

Johnson further got into character by wearing a green, traditional Ti leaf skirt and went shirtless to show off his incredible, muscular frame which was covered with various tattoos. 

He additionally wore a long, brown wig as well as a chunky, whalebone necklace and thick brown bracelets on each of his wrists.

However, not long after seeing the photos, some fans speculated that the star was actually donning a bodysuit. 

The Red One actor – who has been busy promoting the sequel Moana 2 – was spotted last week showing off his buff physique on set of the adaptation in Hawaii

‘That’s a suit that took a long time to put on. So, I’m so happy you said, “You bulked up,” because when you say, “You bulked up,” that means you couldn’t tell,’ the star said 

However, not long after seeing the photos, some fans speculated that the star was actually donning a bodysuit

One typed on social media, ‘That has to be a body suit. There’s no way The Rock is that big,’ while another added, ‘don’t shoot me.. but that’s a body suit right? I don’t recall The Rock being THAT big’

One typed on social media, ‘That has to be a body suit. There’s no way The Rock is that big,’ while another added, ‘don’t shoot me.. but that’s a body suit right? I don’t recall The Rock being THAT big.’ 

‘The Rock and skinny don’t go in the same sentence. but it does look like a body suit,’ one also shared. 

Another penned, ‘The Rock in body suit looks weird and i am surprised he is wearing long hair.’ 

‘It doesn’t, the arms alone are a dead giveaway that he’s wearing a body suit. Rock doesn’t have that much body fat,’ one fan added. 

‘You signed The Rock and then put him in a body suit? Aw hellllll nooooo,’ another wrote, while a social media user shared, ‘Wait is The Rock THAT big or is that a body suit?…’ 

Dwayne has voiced Maui since the 2016 film, Moana, was released – and reprised the role in the sequel, which hits theaters on Wednesday, November 27 just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

In regards to first stepping onto the set for the live-action remake, the actor also told Extra that the moment was ‘eye-opening.’

‘I have a handle on who Maui is. I know the voice, I know the man, I know his inspiration. I can access things. I got it.’

‘The Rock and skinny don’t go in the same sentence. but it does look like a body suit,’ one also shared

He added that the ‘moment I stepped on set’ of the upcoming adaptation, ‘I realized right away, “Oh, wow, this is different,” in terms of this is real flesh-and-blood and skin-and-bones.’

‘It becomes real all of the sudden. It was almost like getting in my grandfather’s skin and what that was like.’ 

While filming the live-action remake of the original 2016 film, Dwayne has also been preparing for the release of Moana 2. 

Along with Johnson, other stars that were cast in the sequel include Auli’i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, Nicole Scherzinger and Temuera Morrison. 

The premise is: ‘After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced,’ per IMDB.  

Dwayne’s two youngest daughters – Jasmine, eight, and Tiana, six – also made their movie debut in Moana 2 to voice members of Moana-be’s fan club. 

While filming the live-action remake of the original 2016 film, Dwayne has also been preparing for the release of Moana 2

The actor shares the two with wife, Lauren Hashian, and is also father to Simone, 23, whom he welcomed with ex Dany Garcia. 

During his interview with Extra, the star opened up about walking the red carpet at the premiere of the animated sequel with all three of his daughters. 

‘My daughters, all three of my daughters were there. That was the first time we’d all been together in a public place before. That was beautiful. My mom was there. It’s our culture.’

Johnson added, ‘I grew up here, got in trouble here 15 miles up the road. My grandfather’s buried here. My grandfather inspired the character of Maui…It all came together.’ 

Dwayne’s two youngest daughters – Jasmine, eight, and Tiana, six – also made their movie debut in Moana 2 to voice members of Moana-be’s fan club; seen above with wife Lauren, daughters Jasmine and Tiana, and his mother Ata Johnson 

He then compared himself to his character of Maui, saying they are both ‘egotistical, loud, big mouth’

He then compared himself to his character of Maui, saying they are both ‘egotistical, loud, big mouth.’

The star also added, ‘I think, trying to find joy around every corner, even if things are a little screwy or wobbly, maybe in real life.’

‘So, I’ve had a tendency over the years to not sweep it under the carpet but just, I know funky s**t is going on and I’m dealing with it, but let me try and find a place over here where I can be happy or smile or try and access some happy and joy.’

The Black Adam actor expressed, ‘I find myself doing that. It helps me deal with the not-joyous stuff.’