Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana" premiered with a large-scale event at the Hollywood Bowl, drawing an audience of 4,000 attendees. The premiere featured a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which played the film's score live.
Star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui, and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, who stars as Moana, took the stage alongside the Nonosina Dancers. Johnson spoke about the film's representation of Polynesian culture, stating, "Every once in a while in Hollywood, we make a film that is more than a film." He added that the audience could feel the "love and the passion and the mana here tonight under the stars."
Director and executive producer Thomas Kail and songwriter and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda addressed the crowd, with Kail praising the Hollywood Bowl as a universally approved venue. The evening concluded with a fireworks display during the end credits, which featured a new song performed by Laga’aia, Johnson, and Auli’i Cravalho.
The event also included numerous brand activations. Attendees received products from sponsors such as Coppertone sunscreen, EZPZ Dole Whip, and Dwayne Johnson's Zoa energy drink. Other collaborations included photo opportunities by Subway, hydration drinks from Joyburst, Papatui skincare, and a keychain-making station hosted by Hawaiian Airlines, which also provided blankets for the audience.
Celebrity guests in attendance included "Vanderpump Rules" alum Stassi Schroeder, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, "Hoppers" star Piper Curda, "The Rookie" actor Jenna Dewan, and Disney Legend Ming Na Wen.
Disney anticipates "Moana" will open to over $130 million at the box office.