News

‘Moana 2’ UK Premiere Event

Yesterday afternoon the voice cast, filmmakers and composers of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated adventure ‘Moana 2’ attended the UK premiere event at Cineworld Leicester Square. Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana) and Dwayne Johnson (Maui) were joined by directors Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr., director and writer Dana Ledoux Miller as well as producer Christina Chen, and songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear on the tropical themed carpet. 

Celebrities and special guests in attendance walked the beach inspired carpet and were treated to a special dance performance by the London School of Hula while music from the new film could be heard around Leicester Square. Celeb attendees included Rochelle & Marvin Humes, Rio Ferdinand, Binky Felstead, Katie Piper, Mabel, Peter Andre, Spencer Matthews, Stacey Solomon & Tamara Eccleston. 

Earlier in the day, Disney magic came to Liverpool with children and families getting to be some of the first in the UK to watch ‘Moana 2’ as part of the launch of a new, state-of-the-art MediCinema at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.  As a long-term partner of MediCinema, Disney has provided significant funding towards the creation of this specially designed cinema.

Meanwhile, ahead of the UK premiere, two Make-A-Wish children and their families were surprised by Dwayne Johnson and enjoyed a meet & greet with their idol. Noah, aged 13, was particularly excited to meet Dwayne. His mum Tracy mentioned: “Noah’s been through so much, but he’s incredibly strong. He was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the spine that has caused damage to his spine. He has undergone chemotherapy and steroids to treat it. It’s left him with permanent neuropathy in his feet and he is receiving ongoing bone treatments. Though he struggles with mobility and chronic pain, he still smiles every day.

When it comes to meeting Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Noah’s over the moon. He’s waited a long time for this, and he’s been buzzing with excitement since I told him. Dwayne is his hero – he looks up to him so much, not just for the action roles but as a person. After everything Noah’s been through, this moment will mean the world to him. We’re so grateful to Make-A-Wish and Disney for making this happen for him.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 reunites Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr., co-directed by Jason Hand and produced by Yvett Merino and Christina Chen, ‘Moana 2’ features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

The all-new feature film opens in cinemas on Nov. 29, 2024.