Sing Along with Maui
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back as Maui in Moana 2, encouraging fans to break into song while watching the much-anticipated sequel in theatres. The actor, known for his charisma both on and off screen, has made it clear he wants audiences to fully embrace the musical spirit of the film.
Speaking at the UK premiere, Johnson noted that singing along to the film’s songs is all part of the cinematic fun:
"Especially if you love music, that’s the fun part," Johnson shared with BBC News. "Sing! You’ve paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing."
This open call to participate bucks recent cinema etiquette debates, particularly those spurred by the release of other musical films like Wicked. Cinema chain AMC has taken a stricter stance, reminding viewers that “silence is golden” in its preshow advisory videos, where singing, texting, and even name-calling are humorously but firmly prohibited.
In Moana 2, Johnson reprises his role as the lovable demigod Maui alongside Auli’i Cravalho, who once again lends her voice to Moana. The sequel follows the Polynesian heroine as she reunites with Maui for another ocean-spanning adventure prompted by an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors.
Johnson has described his work on the film as deeply personal, highlighting how the project brought him closer to his Polynesian heritage. “Every day is a learning lesson for your culture, regardless of how much you think you know or how much it has been embedded in your DNA,” he told PA Media.
Since its release in 2016, the original Moana has become a cultural and commercial powerhouse, earning over $680 million at the global box office and amassing more than a billion streaming hours on Disney+.
Meanwhile, Auli’i Cravalho has also garnered praise for her thoughtful decision to step aside from the upcoming live-action remake of the beloved film. The actress explained that accurate representation is vital in storytelling, sharing in a previous Instagram video, “When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role.”
Fans eager to join the journey once again can catch Moana 2 in UK cinemas starting November 27. Whether you hum along quietly or sing your heart out, this oceanic adventure promises to deliver the magic of Disney once more.
