Before taking the stage, Johnson walked the blue carpet alongside his Australian co-star, 19-year-old Catherine Laga’aia, who portrays Moana in the upcoming live-action film. This marks Laga’aia’s feature film debut. Director Thomas Kail was also in attendance at the special event.
The surprise performance came as attendees were watching a show from musicians and a choir singing songs from the hit film franchise. Johnson, who plays and voices the demigod Maui, burst onto the stage and performed the song 'You’re Welcome' from the films, eliciting erupting cheers from the crowd.
Following his performance, Johnson, who previously made his rap debut years ago, playfully executed a mic drop. He then delivered a speech to the audience ahead of a short teaser screening of the film. During his address, Johnson highlighted how the Moana films represent his Polynesian culture.
This is a film that will go around the world on the biggest platform on the globe and that really means something.
We have worked together for almost a decade now bringing three iterations of Moana to the world.
The original Moana film was released in 2016, followed by a sequel, Moana 2, in 2024. The live-action film is scheduled for release this year.
Johnson also spoke with Renee Bargh about his character's distinctive long, dark, curly hair in the live-action adaptation Featured names
- The Rock
- Catherine Laga
- Darling Harbour
- The Scorpion King
- Director Thomas
- Jada Pinkett
- Joe Manganiello
- Jacob Elordi
- Kendall Jenner
- Angelina Jolie
- London Spider
- Nine Johnson
