Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attends the Moana World Premiere at Hollywood Bowl. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Disney There were seemingly as many brands as fans at the Hollywood Bowl last night for the larger-than-life world premiere of Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, “Moana” — where 4,000 eager attendees filled the venue.
Coppertone passed out sunscreen, EZPZ handed out Dole Whip pineapple soft serve, LEGO displayed a life-size Moana and every guest was offered a can of star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s energy drink, Zoa, in a limited edition shave ice flavor.
Inside a sprawling activation area, even more companies collaborated with the Mouse House, including photo ops by Subway, Joyburst hydration drinks, Papatui skincare and a plumeria keychain-making station hosted by Hawaiian Airlines (which also left blankets on every seat for the screening).
Sitting among the press at the Bowl were “Vanderpump Rules” alum Stassi Schroeder and her family, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, “Hoppers” star Piper Curda, “The Rookie” actor Jenna Dewan and Disney Legend Ming Na Wen, who sweetly snapped a photo of “Dancing With the Stars” pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy with his son.
As the sun went down before the screening, director/executive producer Thomas Kail and songwriter/producer Lin-Manuel Miranda enthusiastically addressed the crowd while fireflies danced.
“The Hollywood Bowl is the one thing that everybody in Los Angeles can agree has a 100% approval rating. What a glorious place to all gather together under the stars to see this with my old pal,” Kail said, gesturing to Miranda.
Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, who plays the titular role in the live action adaptation, took the stage to perform a traditional Pacific ceremony alongside the Nonosina Dancers (who appear as Motunui’s villagers in the film).
“Every once in a while in Hollywood, we make a film that is more than a film,” Johnson said. “I think you could feel it already tonight, with our culture and with what we have represented – not only our Polynesian culture – you see the love and the passion and the mana here tonight under the stars.”
Conductor Sarah Hicks led the LA Philharmonic as the orchestra performed the film’s score live, culminating in a show-stopping fireworks finale during the credits (set to a new song, “Along the Way,” performed by Laga’aia, Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho).
Considering “Moana” is tracking for a $130 million-plus opening weekend at the box office, the premiere was just the start of a Maui-sized celebration for Disney.
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