Disney rolls out grand premiere for live-action Moana at the Hollywood Bowl

Disney staged a spectacular world premiere for its live-action adaptation of Moana, bringing the beloved Polynesian adventure to the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

The film stars Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui after voicing the character in the animated franchise, alongside newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, who takes over the role of Moana from Auli’i Cravalho, CE Report quotes ANSA.

Director Thomas Kail described the Hollywood Bowl as a magnificent setting for the premiere, while composer Lin-Manuel Miranda joined the cast and crew on stage to celebrate the film.

Speaking before the screening, Johnson, dressed in traditional Polynesian attire, said the project had become much more than just a movie.

“You can feel the love and passion here tonight. Our Polynesian culture and what it represents have become meaningful to so many people around the world,” he said.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Sarah Hicks, performed the film’s score live during the screening. The evening concluded with a fireworks display as the credits rolled to “Along the Way,” the only new song written specifically for the live-action adaptation.

Laga’aia said the film celebrates the culture, history, and people of the Pacific Islands, describing Moana as a hopeful young leader determined to protect her community.

The live-action version closely follows the story and musical numbers of Disney’s 2016 animated hit, with many children in the audience singing along and reciting dialogue during the screening.

Screenwriter Dana Ledoux Miller, who also wrote and directed Moana 2, said the heroine’s determination to serve her people makes her an enduring and inspiring character for audiences today.

Director Kail noted that 2,944 people are credited in the film, highlighting the collaborative effort to authentically represent Pacific Island cultures.

Disney is aiming for a strong box-office launch, with global opening weekend projections of around $130 million, including approximately $60 million in North America. However, some industry observers have questioned whether the remake is arriving too soon, given that the animated sequel, Moana 2, was released in cinemas just 19 months ago.

Actress Frankie Adams, who plays Moana’s mother Sina, dismissed those concerns, saying audiences can never have too much of the beloved heroine and that a new generation deserves to be inspired by her story.