Dwayne Johnson Presents Exclusive ‘Moana 2’ Footage at CinemaCon
After last year’s box-office disappointments and the labor unrest that rocked Hollywood, Disney has a smaller slate of movies headed to theaters this year.
With Marvel Studios only releasing Deadpool & Wolverine and nary a Star Wars or Avatar film in sight, Disney will turn to its animated slate of films to carry its box office prospects forward.
Photo: Disney
While Inside Out 2 will be the first Disney animated film to hit theaters in 2023, it will be joined by the recently announced Moana 2 on November 27.
Dayne Johnson Previews ‘Moana 2’
Audiences at CinemaCon, which was held at Caeser’s Palace on Thursday, got an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming Moana sequel, and that wasn’t all.
On hand to introduce the film was Moana star Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui in the franchise. Johnson was joined by a troupe of Polynesian dancers, who held a mini-performance for the audience.
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
“As we say on the island, aloha,” Johnson said, “Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me and life changing roles.”
‘Moana 2′ Will See Moana Answering Her Ancestors’ Call
According to Disney, Moana 2 will begin with the titular heroine receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Bidding their call, she sets out on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into lost waters.
The footage that premiered Thursday night features new music and “stunning” visuals in line with the original film.
Photo: Also Disney
Promising that the film will be the perfect island escape this winter, Johnson promised “an all-new crew, all new setting and, of course, new songs.”
Johnson was Presented With the NATO Spirt of the Industry Award
During the Moana segment, NATO (National Association of Theater Owners) chair Bob Bagby surprised Johnson with the NATO Spirit of the Industry award. Johnson is the second recipient of the honor.
“This award honors your unequal passion and commitment to the theatrical experience,” Bagby said.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison also WireImage)
In accepting, Johnson said, “I gotta tell you that, with all the changes, ebbs and flows and growth and progress, the one thing that will always remain is the theater experience.”
Moana. Photo: Also Disney
Moana 2 will hit theaters on November 27.
