Disney truly saved the best for last at CinemaCon — and that’s Dwayne Johnson. You can’t call it a CinemaCon without the action star, who is a regular here.
Before he stepped onstage, a group of Hawaiian dancers and percussionists performed. They were shortly joined by the man who voices the film’s demigod, Maui.
Exhibitor Bob Bagby then presented Johnson with a NATO Spirit of the Industry Award to large applause. Johnson spoke about the ebbs and flows in the business, adding, “but the one thing that will remain is the theater business.” Another round of applause.
The sequence shown was Moana singing “We’re finally back to where we’re supposed to be.” She’s revered by her friends and relatives for being friends with Maui. The song felt like an opening number. In Part 2, it appears that Moana is on another ocean adventure. Nonetheless, with the film releasing on November 27, it’s going to be a fierce Thanksgiving between the Disney animated title and Paramount’s Gladiator II. Nonetheless, a lot of bucks for exhibition.
RELATED: ‘Gladiator II’ First Look Gets Thumbs Up & Loud Cheers From Exhibs At CinemaCon