Disney’s live-action Moana made a splash at its world premiere Monday night as celebrities and their families gathered at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles to celebrate the highly anticipated film.
Among those in attendance were Lance Gross and his wife, Rebecca, who turned the premiere into a family outing with their kids, Berkeley and Lennon. Khadijah Haqq McCray, Mekia Cox, Troy Daniels, and Yris Palmer were also spotted on the blue carpet with their kids.
Lance Gross, Berkeley Gross, Lennon Gross and Rebecca Gross
Mekia Cox and family
Troy Daniels, Yris Palmer, and their kids
Khadijah Haqq McCray and kids
The premiere comes just days before the film arrives in theaters on July 10.
The live-action adaptation stars Dwayne Johnson, who returns as the shape-shifting demigod Maui after first voicing the beloved character in Disney’s 2016 animated hit. Joining him is newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia, who takes on the title role of Moana.
The film follows Moana as she answers the Ocean’s call and leaves her home on Motunui on a new adventure to protect her island. Maui joins her on the journey as the pair face new challenges while honoring the story that introduced audiences to the fearless wayfinder nearly a decade ago.
Ahead of the film’s release, Johnson reflected on what made revisiting Maui in a live-action setting such a meaningful experience.
“Everything carries a different weight. Real flesh and blood, human beings, soul behind the eyes, like, and then bits as real as us sitting here. It was the opportunity for us to, I think, showcase our culture in a real way, live action way. But also, we had a shot to do something pretty cool and different. And especially, you know, it all starts with a vision, starts at the top… Tommy had an amazing vision for the film, but also a deep profound respect for culture.”
