The global journey for Disney’s highly anticipated live-action Moana has officially begun. Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson kicked off the film’s international press tour with a spectacular fan event in Shanghai, giving audiences an early glimpse of what could become one of the biggest family movies of the year.
The actor, who returns as the beloved demigod Maui, received an enthusiastic welcome from Disney fans as excitement continues to build ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
Dwayne Johnson Receives Hero’s Welcome in Shanghai
The first major stop on the Moana live-action promotional tour took place at the prestigious Walt Disney Grand Theatre inside Shanghai Disney Resort.
Dwayne Johnson arrived in style, wearing an elegant white suit complemented by a traditional floral lei that reflected the Polynesian spirit at the heart of the story. Fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate the movie and interact with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Later, Johnson switched into a vibrant floral-print shirt and posed for photographs while holding Maui’s iconic magical fishhook, a symbol instantly recognized by Disney audiences worldwide.
The appearance quickly generated buzz across social media, with photos and videos from the event spreading among movie fans and entertainment followers.
Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Brings Back Fan-Favorite Characters
One of the biggest attractions of the upcoming adaptation is Dwayne Johnson’s return as Maui, a role that became a cultural phenomenon following the success of the animated original.
Joining him is rising actress Catherine Laga’aia, who steps into the role of Moana. Disney has assembled a cast that aims to honor the beloved characters while introducing them to a new generation of viewers.
The ensemble also includes:
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
- John Tui as Chief Tui
- Frankie Adams as Sina
The casting reflects Disney’s commitment to authenticity and representation within the Polynesian-inspired adventure.
Jemaine Clement Returns as Tamatoa
Adding to the excitement, Disney recently confirmed that Jemaine Clement will reprise his role as the flashy giant crab Tamatoa.
The character became a fan favorite in the animated film thanks to his humor, larger-than-life personality, and memorable musical moments. His return is expected to bring nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing the character to new audiences.
A New Chapter for the Disney Franchise
The live-action adaptation represents Disney’s latest effort to reimagine one of its most successful animated properties.
Beyond starring in the film, Dwayne Johnson also serves as an executive producer, alongside original Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho. Their involvement has reassured fans that the project remains connected to the spirit and values of the original story.
Industry analysts predict strong box office performance thanks to the enduring popularity of the franchise, family-friendly storytelling, and Johnson’s global star power.
Why ‘Moana’ Is One of 2026’s Most Anticipated Movies
The original Moana became a worldwide sensation, earning praise for its storytelling, music, animation, and cultural themes. The live-action version aims to recreate that magic while delivering a fresh cinematic experience.
With stunning visuals, beloved characters, adventure-driven storytelling, and a globally recognized cast, Disney is positioning the film as one of the summer’s biggest theatrical releases.
Final Thoughts
Dwayne Johnson’s appearance in Shanghai marked an exciting start to the global Moana live-action press tour. As Disney ramps up promotion ahead of the film’s July release, anticipation continues to grow among moviegoers eager to return to the world of Moana and Maui. With a talented cast, beloved characters, and worldwide fan support, the film is already shaping up to be a major entertainment event. The source of this news is From Just Jared.