‘Moana’ star Dwayne Johnson says, ‘I will never forget this night,’ at live-action film’s Hollywood Bowl world debut

A Southern California landmark welcomed the cast and crew of the new live-action film “Moana” as the movie’s world premiere was held at the Hollywood Bowl.

Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana in the live-action adaptation of the story that audiences first experienced as an animated film 10 years ago. She and fellow star Dwayne Johnson have been promoting the movie around the world before gathering for the premiere at the iconic outdoor venue.

During the event, Johnson reflected on the significance of the occasion.

“I will never forget this night, George, and I mean that,” Johnson said. “And I challenged all of us – what more can be done than has ever been done? Well, Hollywood Bowl, 5,000 people, LA Philharmonic conducting the score as the film was going on. It was just awesome, man.”

The premiere also featured musical entertainment ahead of the screening.

Laga’aia shared her thoughts on this, her first premiere.

“I feel bad because I don’t understand the scale of these things because I’m so new to the industry,” she said with a smile. “This is my first premiere, I don’t know any different. I’m just kind of assuming this is what everything looks like. I’ll have to talk to Dwayne and ask, ‘Is this normal?”

Those involved with the film said they worked to represent cultural authenticity throughout the production.

Rena Owen, who plays Gramma Tala, credited the original animated film for setting a high standard.

“I have to acknowledge the animated film because it set high bars for all of us,” she said. “It gave us a mountain top to just jump from.”

Auli’i Cravalho, an executive producer on the film and the original voice of Moana, praised Laga’aia’s role in carrying the story forward.

“It’s not very often a young Pacific Island woman is able to take the helm of a film,” Cravalho said. “I am Moana and I’m still Moana and it takes nothing away from me for the passing of the baton to Catherine.”

“Moana” is rated PG and will be in theaters everywhere on Friday, July 10.

Disney is the parent company of this station.