Feel free to sing in the cinema, says The Rock

Dwayne Johnson, famously known as The Rock, made a grand appearance at the UK premiere of 'Moana 2' in London, where he encouraged fans to sing along in the cinema. He expressed his thoughts on the red carpet, stating, 'Especially if you love music, that's the fun part. ' This event took place at the Cineworld in Leicester Square on November 24, 2024. Johnson, along with Auli'i Cravalho, who voices Moana, is reprising their roles in this sequel to the beloved 2016 film. The discussion about singing in cinemas has gained traction on social media, especially after the recent release of 'Wicked. ' Some people argue that singing enhances the experience, while others believe it disrupts the enjoyment for those who prefer to watch quietly. Johnson, however, firmly believes that if you are enjoying a musical, you should feel free to express that joy. He said, 'You’ve paid your hard earned money for a ticket, and you've gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing. ' The original 'Moana' film followed the journey of a courageous Polynesian girl who set out on an adventure across the ocean to save her people. In 'Moana 2,' Moana and Maui reunite three years later for a new voyage alongside a crew of unexpected sailors, as described by Disney. The premiere event transformed London's Leicester Square into a vibrant Polynesian island, complete with palm trees, a beach, and lively dancers. Despite the chilly weather, numerous fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars, Cravalho and Johnson. Auli'i Cravalho, who was just 16 when she first voiced Moana, has since appeared in various films, including the 2024 adaptation of 'Mean Girls. ' She expressed her excitement about returning to the role, stating, 'I think Moana is at the forefront of a conversation where the word princess and the word hero are now interchangeable. ' She emphasized Moana's strength and bravery, noting that she is not afraid to take charge and lead her ship. Dwayne Johnson, now 52 years old, voices the charismatic demigod Maui in the animated film. When asked about the differences between himself and his character, he humorously remarked, 'Maui is actually a demigod. The difference is wrestlers think that they’re demigods, but they’re not. I know that because I was one of them. ' Johnson also shared that his three daughters enjoy watching him portray Maui because they see themselves represented in Moana. Cravalho reflected on her journey as Moana, saying that she never anticipated the profound impact the character would have on her life and the lives of others. 'I knew it would change my life, but it seems to have also changed many other people’s lives as well,' she said. She described the joy she feels when young fans recognize her as Moana, likening it to being Santa Claus, as they look at her with wonder and excitement. Many fans of the original 'Moana' film, who were children when it first premiered, are now teenagers or adults. Disney hopes that 'Moana 2' will resonate with both nostalgic audiences and a new generation of children. However, the film faces stiff competition, as it is being released shortly after 'Wicked. ' The original 'Moana' was a massive success, grossing $687 million worldwide and earning two Oscar nominations. It was also the most streamed movie in the US in 2023. Initially, Disney planned to develop a series for Disney+, but they surprised fans by announcing that the sequel would be released in cinemas instead. The music for 'Moana 2' was composed by a team of four different composers, as Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was nominated for an Oscar for the original film, did not return for this sequel. 'Moana 2' is set to hit UK cinemas on November 29.