When you think of Dwayne Johnson and Disney, it’s hard not to picture the larger-than-life Maui from Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024) or the witty riverboat captain Frank Wolff from Jungle Cruise (2021).
Johnson’s unique blend of humor, charisma, and heart has made him a fan favorite in the Disney world. With the live-action Moana in the works and Johnson reprising his role as Maui, excitement is building among fans. But while Disney fans are counting down the days until they see him on screen again, Johnson is grappling with some frustrating news from his other career in wrestling.
According to recent reports, Johnson was furious when news leaked that he won’t be appearing at WrestleMania 41. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio revealed that Johnson was “mad” about the information getting out ahead of time. Johnson had wanted to keep his absence a surprise, perhaps to make a grand reveal later or to manage expectations on his own terms. For a man who thrives on surprising his fans, this leak was more than just an inconvenience—it was a major annoyance.
The reason behind his absence? It seems that reshoots for the live-action Moana are to blame. The filming schedule reportedly clashes with WrestleMania 41, set for April 19 and 20, 2025. While this is disappointing for wrestling fans hoping to see Johnson in the ring, Disney fans have something to celebrate. It means Dwayne Johnson is fully committed to making sure the live-action Moana lives up to expectations.
Maui is one of his most beloved roles, and fans can rest easy knowing he’s putting his energy into bringing that character to life again.
There’s even some talk that Johnson’s frustration over the leak might push him to make a surprise appearance at WrestleMania just to prove the rumors wrong. Meltzer suggested that Johnson might show up simply because he’s so upset about the situation. It wouldn’t be out of character—Johnson has a history of keeping fans on their toes with unexpected appearances and surprises.
For now, though, Disney fans can look forward to seeing Johnson back in action as Maui. His dedication to the role and the care he’s putting into the live-action adaptation are sure to make Moana (2026) a hit.
Whether he’s entertaining us in the wrestling ring or on the big screen, Dwayne Johnson continues to be a beloved figure in both worlds. And no matter what happens with WrestleMania, Disney fans know they’re in for a treat when Johnson steps back into Maui’s shoes—or should we say, his magical fishhook?
