“The Rock” Dwayne Johnson Makes a Surprise Appearance, Embarking on a Vast Ocean Adventure with Chinese Fans
ShanghaiJune 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The summer celebration for the live-action adventure epic Moana: The Voyage, produced by Disney Studios, was recently held at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort. Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson, who plays the demigod Maui in the film, made a surprise appearance, joining nearly a thousand fans and guests to embark on this magnificent journey of courage, faith, and self-transcendence. Liu Meilin, the young singer who voiced Moana in the animated Moana and sang the Chinese version of the theme song “How Far I’ll Go,” took the stage to perform the Oscar-nominated classic once again.
Moana: The Voyage Summer Celebration
The summer celebration kicked off with an enthusiastic blue carpet fan meet-and-greet. As soon as Dwayne Johnson appeared, the crowd erupted in warm cheers. Many fans arrived in creative ocean-themed outfits, and Johnson interacted warmly with everyone, lighting up this joyful and passionate summer event. The blue carpet, symbolizing the azure waters of the South Pacific, highlighted the island vibe and summer atmosphere, echoing Moana and Maui’s ocean voyage in the film.
Moana: The Voyage Summer Celebration Blue Carpet Fan Meet-and-Greet
At the celebration, Dwayne Johnson shared behind-the-scenes stories from Moana: The Voyage. Reflecting on his deep connection with the character Maui across both animated and live-action films, he said: “I’m so happy to be here in Shanghai to share this movie with Chinese audiences. The fans’ enthusiasm deeply moved me, and I feel honored to reunite with everyone through the character of Maui. Moana means a lot to me—it carries my culture and has been with me for many years. Being able to reinterpret this warm and powerful story in live-action form is a special journey. I hope everyone can feel the passion, strength, and spirit through the music, dance, and vast ocean adventure.”
Moana: The Voyage Dwayne Johnson Shanghai North Bund Photo
During the celebration, exclusive advance footage of the film was unveiled for the first time, allowing attending guests to be among the first in the world to experience the film’s breathtaking audiovisual appeal. Scenes of Moana and Maui sailing through wind and waves into uncharted waters were presented on the big screen with more realistic textures, more impactful visual effects, and more stirring musical expressions, vividly bringing to life the vast landscapes of the South Pacific, the vitality of island culture, and the imaginative space of the fantasy story. Guests at the event remarked, “The familiar story feels even more stunning and genuinely moving in the live-action film,” and “The waves, islands, and music intertwine, instantly transporting you back to Moana’s wayfinding journey.” Johnson’s portrayal of Maui “retains the bold and humorous charm of the animated character while presenting a more vibrant sense of power and emotional depth,” heightening audience anticipation for the film’s release.
Since its release in 2016, the animated original Moana has become a beloved Disney classic among global audiences, thanks to its compelling coming-of-age story, vibrant ocean world, and unforgettable music. The film’s soundtrack has been widely acclaimed, with “How Far I’ll Go” earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and winning a Grammy for creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The animated sequel Moana 2, released in 2024, also performed remarkably, breaking multiple global animated box office records at the time. As a new live-action adaptation of the classic Disney animation, Moana: The Voyage will take audiences back to that vast blue expanse full of wonder. While preserving the core spirit of the original, it uses a grander big-screen audiovisual language to showcase Pacific islands, communities, and traditional culture, and through Moana’s perspective, tells the moving story of courage, home, and self-discovery once again.
Moana: The Voyage will hit theaters across China on July 10, 2026, in 2D/3D/CINITY/IMAX/Dolby Cinema/CGS formats. The call of the ocean has already sounded from the distant shore. This summer, head to the cinema to answer the ocean’s call with Moana and Maui and embark on this magnificent wayfinding journey!