Hollywood
Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and cast celebrate “Moana 2” world premiere
Mumbai: Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson joined an illustrious lineup of stars, filmmakers, and special guests at the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2”. The grand celebration took place at the picturesque Lanikūhonua Cultural Institute in Kapolei, Hawai‘i, paying homage to the Pacific cultures and traditions that form the heart of the Moana story.
The evening opened with a spectacular cultural performance led by Tiana Nonosina Liufau, Kayla Faʻamaligi, and Polynesian creatives, honouring the vibrant heritage of the Pacific peoples. The event was graced by the presence of the film’s cast, including Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Hualālai Chung (Moni), Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda (Simea), and Gerald Faitala Ramsey (Tautai Vasa). Directors Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, and David G. Derrick Jr., along with producers Yvett Merino and Christina Chen, joined them, alongside celebrated songwriters Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and Opetaia Foa‘i, and composer Mark Mancina.
Earlier in the day, Disney partnered with Make-A-Wish and Dwayne Johnson to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for five wish kids and their families. Hosted at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, the families were Johnson’s personal guests for the Moana 2 premiere.
In a separate event, Disney collaborated with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring joy to patients at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Disney CEO Bob Iger joined the event, which featured Moana-themed hospital gowns, toys, and books. The initiative extended to four other paediatric care centres in Oʻahu, where patients enjoyed an exclusive early screening of Moana 2 through the Disney Movie Moments program.
The sequel to Disney Animation’s beloved musical takes audiences on an epic new voyage. Reuniting Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the story picks up three years after the first film, as Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers, she embarks on a daring adventure through the far seas of Oceania.
The film also features Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Rose Matafeo among its voice cast, with Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda voicing Moana’s little sister, Simea. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Yvett Merino and Christina Chen, the film features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and Grammy-winner Mark Mancina.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
