Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia, the stars of Disney’s Moana live action, descended on the banks of the River Thames to celebrate the launch of the film.
The Hollywood stars brought a slice of the Pacific to the heart of London at Potters Fields Park to mark the opening of the immersive ‘Moana Experience’.
It was centred around a giant six-metre replica of Maui’s iconic hook, alongside a full-scale recreation of Moana’s canoe, set against the striking backdrop of Tower Bridge.
Londoners were transported to a tropical paradise, complete with vibrant dance, drum and vocal performances inspired by the film, before the stars made a surprise entrance to delighted crowds.
Director Thomas Kail and producer Auli’i Cravalho were also in attendance, while more than 20 dancers from the London School of Hula and Ori performed a choreographed rendition of ‘We Know the Way’, backed by a live Tahitian drumline.
There were also two performances from Disney Theatre Group, featuring stars of the Hercules and The Lion King West End shows, who treated the audience to crowd-favourite hits ‘How Far I’ll Go’ and ‘You’re Welcome’.
The event marked the opening of the day-long Moana Experience, which saw a 10,000-square-foot London location transformed into a Motunui-inspired paradise.
Guests were treated to an array of themed activities, including Pua-inspired pig petting, karaoke sessions and hands-on leaf weaving workshops.
Hosted by actress and TV presenter Molly Rainford, alongside radio DJ and TV presenter Tyler West, the event also saw Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Lagaʻaia take time to pose for photos with fans.
Among those in attendance were schoolchildren from St Gregory’s School in Colchester, who were invited along as a surprise.
The group had believed they were heading off on a typical school trip – until they arrived to find themselves at the centre of the action.
Earlier this year, they went viral on social media after posting a TikTok video asking Dwayne Johnson to respond.
Not only did he reply with a personalised video message, but he helped organise the group to the attend the experience so they could in person.
The live-action Moana arrives in cinemas on Friday 10 July 2026 and is a reimagining of the Oscar-nominated animated film, which was originally released in 2016.
The upcoming film will see Moana answer the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyage beyond the reef of her island of Motunui alongside the demigod Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, as they embark on a new adventure.
