Just as the excitement of this year’s CinemaCon reached its peak, a surprise guest took the stage – none other than Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. Johnson delighted fans by offering a glimpse into Disney’s upcoming sequel, “Moana 2.” During the event in Las Vegas on April 11, the renowned actor, who lent his voice to the character Maui, joined the roster of talent for Disney’s much-anticipated projects. With a beaming smile, the 51-year-old actor and former wrestler graced the stage.
Expressing his gratitude, The Rock shared how the “Moana” franchise has profoundly impacted him, describing it as a transformative experience. He assured the audience that all the songs in “Moana 2” would be fresh and original. The film is slated for release this November.
In recognition of his contributions, The National Association of Theatre Owners presented Johnson with the Spirit of the Industry Prize, after which he unveiled the first footage of “Moana 2.”
Auli’i Cravalho will reprise her role as Moana, the courageous daughter of the chief of a Polynesian village. Exclusive footage showcased Cravalho’s enchanting voice as Moana returns to her island, hinting at a new journey ahead for the determined protagonist.
Clearly moved by the performance of Polynesian dancers, Dwayne Johnson emphasized his emotional connection to the franchise, emphasizing how the character resonates with his roots and cultural heritage
Dwayne Johnson performs as a part of a Polynesian dance while presenting #Moana2 at #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/s8EHi7lieR
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 11, 2024
Reflecting on the significance of the franchise, The Rock remarked, “It’s so much deeper than a movie to me, and I know it’s deeper for Disney, too.”
The first installment of the franchise was a box-office hit, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, earning two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “How Far I’ll Go.”
Interestingly, Disney is also working on a live-action adaptation of “Moana,” featuring Dwayne Johnson. However, its release has been postponed from June 27, 2025, to July 10, 2026.