Dwayne Johnson says 'real masculinity' means supporting women while debuting Moana at CinemaCon

Dwayne Johnson is redefining masculinity while promoting Disney’s upcoming live-action Moana, sharing a powerful message during CinemaCon alongside new footage from the film.

Johnson told the audience that “real masculinity” means supporting strong women, pointing to Moana as the true hero of the story.

While introducing the footage, Johnson emphasised that the film centres on a powerful female lead rather than a traditional princess narrative, reinforcing the story’s focus on strength, leadership and independence. He highlighted that Moana represents a “warrior” figure, aligning with his broader point about masculinity being rooted in respect and support.

The CinemaCon presentation included new footage from the highly anticipated live-action remake, offering a fresh look at the масштаб and visual style of the film. Johnson reprises his role as Maui, the demigod he previously voiced in the 2016 animated hit, while newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia stars as Moana.

The film, directed by Thomas Kail, is a reimagining of the original Disney story and is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026.

Johnson’s remarks added a thematic layer to the presentation, positioning Moana not just as a blockbuster remake but as a story with a modern message about gender dynamics and empowerment.

The project marks another major collaboration between Johnson and Disney, with the actor also serving as a producer, and continues Hollywood’s trend of revisiting beloved animated classics through live-action adaptations.