#FIRSTLOOK: DISNEY’S “MOANA” LOS ANGELES PREMIERE

The cast and filmmakers behind Disney’s highly anticipated reimagining of “Moana,” including Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a. (Maui, producer), Catherine Lagaʻaia (Moana), Thomas Kail (director, executive producer) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (producer, original songs by), united at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles last night to celebrate the film’s show-stopping world premiere.

The evening began with an introduction by Kail and Miranda, who in turn invited the Nonosina dancers to the stage for a special live performance that brought a Pacific village to life through movement, live percussion, chanting and vocals and welcomed guests to the vibrant world of “Moana.” The presentation transitioned into a traditional Pacific ceremony featuring Lagaʻaia and Johnson.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Johnson introduced conductor Sarah Hicks, who led the LA Phil as the renowned orchestra performed the score live during the world premiere presentation of Disney’s “Moana.” Last night’s premiere screening ended with a fireworks finale.

The premiere was also attended by cast members Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), John Tui (Chief Tui) and Frankie Adams (Sina). Filmmakers in attendance included Beau Flynn, p.g.a. (producer), Dany Garcia (producer), Hiram Garcia, p.g.a. (producer), Scott Sheldon (executive producer), Charles Newirth (executive producer), Auliʻi Cravalho (executive producer), Jared Bush (screenplay by, Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer), Dana Ledoux Miller (screenplay by), Mark Mancina (original songs by, original score by), Opetaia Foaʻi (original songs by), John Myhre (production designer), Liz McGregor (costume designer), Bill Westenhofer (visual effects supervisor), Leslie Lerman (visual effects producer), Bernard Telsey, CSA (casting director), Tiffany Little Canfield, CSA (casting director), John Wildermuth (first assistant director), Tiana Nonosina Liufau (choreographer, associate producer, Cultural Trust), Kayla Faʻamaligi (associate choreographer, Cultural Trust), Jennifer Lane (associate producer), Monique Ganderton (stunt coordinator), Dr. Grant Muāgututiʻa (Lead Consultant, Cultural Trust), Nakoa Prejean (Tech Advisor/Canoes, Stunts) and Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi (Master Lasher), along with additional celebrity guests and VIP talent.

During the global press tour for “Moana,” Dwayne Johnson achieved a significant milestone by surpassing more than 200 wishes granted through Make-A-Wish globally, after granting eight wishes at last night’s premiere alone. Johnson has been a dedicated wish-granter for more than 25 years.

ABOUT DISNEY’S “MOANA”:

In “Moana,” Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a., Beau Flynn, p.g.a., Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, p.g.a. and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, Kail and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films “Moana” and “Moana 2.” “Moana” features the new song “Along The Way,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Cravalho, Laga‘aia and Johnson; original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina; and an original score composed by Mancina. Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” exclusively in theatres July 10, 2026.