Dwayne Johnson recently attended a special press event for the live action adaptation of Moana at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort, located in Shanghai, China. The 54 year old actor was joined by a large number of fans who gathered to celebrate the upcoming film and learn more about the project.
For the event, Dwayne appeared in a white suit paired with a floral lei. Later, he changed into a black and red floral print shirt and wore another floral lei while taking part in a photo call. During the appearance, he was also seen posing with the magical fishhook used by his character, Maui.
The live action film follows Moana as she answers the Ocean’s call and sets out on a new adventure. For the first time, she travels beyond the reef surrounding her island of Motunui. During her journey, she teams up with the well known demigod Maui as they work together to help restore prosperity to her people.
Dwayne Johnson is returning to play Maui, a role he previously voiced in the animated version of the story. Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as Moana in the live action adaptation. The supporting cast includes Rena Owen as Moana’s respected grandmother, Gramma Tala, John Tui as her father, Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina.
Dwayne Johnson showed up at the Shanghai premiere of #Moana! Hear why he thinks the film can inspire children and why stories like this matter as they grow up.#DwayneJohnson #Disneymovie pic.twitter.com/tS0KJNjECE
— Shanghai Let's meet (@ShLetsMeet) June 23, 2026
It was also recently announced that Jemaine Clement will return to the franchise. He is set to reprise his voice role as Tamatoa, the giant crab known for his love of glamour and attention. The character first appeared in the animated films and became a memorable part of the story.
In addition to acting in the film, Dwayne Johnson and original Moana voice star Auli’i Cravalho are serving as executive producers on the project.
Dwayne Johnson turns a beach stop into a core memory for fans. The Rock brought his Maui character's magic to Hawaii during the Moana global tour. #DwayneJohnson #TheRock #Moana #MauiMagic #gossipherald pic.twitter.com/NqkwogEGlh
— GossipHerald (@Gossip_Herald) June 19, 2026
The live action version of Moana is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 10th. Production updates and casting announcements continue to draw interest as audiences wait for the film’s release.