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
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
