Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise appearance in Las Vegas on Thursday (April 11) at CinemaCon 2024.
Johnson appeared during the Walt Disney Studios presentation in the afternoon at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to promote the upcoming release of Moana 2, where he reprises his role as Maui.
Johnson was honored with the 2024 National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Spirit of the Industry Award, as announced by CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser.
Neuhauser said, “No one exemplifies a commitment to the theatrical experience more than Dwayne Johnson. He has attended CinemaCon more than any other creative person, which speaks volumes when it comes to his support of the global exhibition community, and we are thrilled he is here today to accept the Spirit of the Industry Award.”
The Rock made an impressive entrance at the event, dancing onstage with Polynesian dancers performing for the Moana showcase.
The Final Boss then discussed the importance of his role as Maui, noting how his character is inspired by his grandfather, late WWE Hall of Famer Peter Maivia.
Johnson also introduced new footage for the upcoming sequel.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Receives Spirit of the Industry Award at CinemaCon 2024
On April 11, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised attendees at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas with his appearance during the Walt Disney Studios presentation. The event took place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and aimed to promote the upcoming release of “Moana 2,” in which Johnson reprises his role as Maui.
During the event, Johnson was honored with the prestigious 2024 National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Spirit of the Industry Award. CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser announced this recognition, highlighting Johnson’s unwavering commitment to the theatrical experience.
Neuhauser expressed his admiration for Johnson, stating, “No one exemplifies a commitment to the theatrical experience more than Dwayne Johnson. He has attended CinemaCon more than any other creative person, which speaks volumes when it comes to his support of the global exhibition community, and we are thrilled he is here today to accept the Spirit of the Industry Award.”
The Rock made a grand entrance at the event, joining Polynesian dancers onstage for a captivating performance related to the “Moana” showcase. This lively introduction set the tone for Johnson’s discussion about the significance of his character, Maui, in the film.
Johnson shared that his portrayal of Maui is inspired by his late grandfather, Peter Maivia, who was a legendary professional wrestler and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. This personal connection adds depth and meaning to Johnson’s performance as Maui, making it even more special for both him and his fans.
Furthermore, Johnson took the opportunity to introduce exclusive footage from the highly anticipated sequel, “Moana 2.” This sneak peek undoubtedly heightened excitement among the audience and left them eagerly anticipating its release.
The recognition bestowed upon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at CinemaCon 2024 serves as a testament to his immense contributions to the film industry and his unwavering support for the theatrical experience. His dedication to attending CinemaCon and his portrayal of Maui in “Moana” showcase his commitment to both the global exhibition community and his craft as an actor.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Moana 2,” Johnson’s involvement and passion for the project only add to the anticipation. With his remarkable talent and connection to the character, it is safe to say that audiences can expect an exceptional performance from The Rock in this highly anticipated sequel.