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
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
