The global celebration of the live-action Moana is continuing. Stars of the film recently celebrated at events in Australia and China ahead of the film’s July 10th theatrical release. Cast members, including Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Lagaʻaia, and director Thomas Kail, were on hand for these events.

Johnson returns to portray the trickster demigod Maui, and also serves as a producer on the new film. He was joined by breakout star Catherine Lagaʻaia, who stars in the title role. They were joined by Emmy and Tony award-winning director and executive producer Thomas Kail for a special evening on June 25th. This was for a special presentation at ICC Sydney in Australia.

The night began with a live musical performance that was led by Opetaia Foaʻi, who wrote the original songs for “Moana” with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina, and his band Te Vaka. They were joined by choreographer and associate producer Tiana Nonosina Liufau and assistant choreographer Kayla Faʻamaligi. This was a celebration of Pacific people, cultures, and traditions that inspired the new film. Additionally, Johnson,  Lagaʻaia, and Kail completed a special photo call at the iconic Bondi Icebergs seaside pool in Sydney.

This followed an event that took place earlier this week at The Bund in Shanghai, China. There, Dwayne Johnson participated in a Moana-themed photo call and greeted ecstatic fans at an exclusive event at Shanghai Disney Resort.

Moana Trailer

Moana Official Description

In “Moana,” Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a., Beau Flynn, p.g.a., Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, p.g.a. and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, Kail and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films “Moana” and “Moana 2.” “Moana” features the new song “Along The Way,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Cravalho, Laga‘aia and Johnson; original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina; and an original score composed by Mancina. Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” exclusively in theaters July 10, 2026.

Are you excited about the arrival of the live-action Moana in theaters on July 10th? Will you be seeing it in theaters? What do you think of these events? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!