Dwayne Johnson Shares New Footage from ‘Moana’ and Reflects on His Grandfather’s Influence in the Role of Maui at CinemaCon
Disney has released an extended preview of its live-action adaptation of Moana, set to premiere in theaters on July 10. The event featured appearances by stars Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia.
The footage, showcased during the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, highlights Laga’aia—who takes on the role of Moana from Auli’i Cravalho—performing “How Far I’ll Go,” while Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, singing “You’re Welcome.”
The preview also introduced audiences to vivid scenes including neon manta rays, a giant crab, a chicken, and a fearsome fire spirit.
On stage in Las Vegas, Johnson emphasized the significance of Maui to Polynesian culture, stating that embodying the character has been an “amazing experience” over the past decade. He highlighted the importance of portraying “real masculinity,” where men uplift and champion women, and he revealed that he drew inspiration from his late grandfather for the role.
Johnson expressed excitement about bringing the story into live-action, referring to it as an opportunity to delve into the “flesh and blood and mana” at its core.
This new adaptation follows the success of Moana 2, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide in 2024. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the original animated feature was a monumental hit for Disney, grossing over $680 million globally and receiving two Academy Award nominations.
Set in ancient Polynesia, Moana tells the story of a village chief’s daughter chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her people, embarking on a voyage across the Pacific with the shape-shifting demigod Maui.
Thomas Kail directed the new Moana, marking his feature debut, from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The film is produced by Johnson, Hiram and Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
