Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise appearance at the Pixar/Walt Disney presentation at D23 Expo on Friday.
The actor came to speak about his upcoming film “Moana,” in which he will play legendary demi-god Maui.
“He is very strong, he’s powerful, he’s determined and relentlessly, achingly handsome. But deep down, he’s always been someone stuck in the middle. In the story, Moana might just be the person to help Maui find his true self,” said the actor.
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Aladdin”), the film follows a teenage girl’s mission to fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. Set in the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, searches for a fabled island. Her journey teams with her hero Maui as they embark on an action-filled voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, elaborate underworlds and ancient folklore.
Johnson said he is “deeply connected to this film,” given his half-black, half-Samoan heritage. “To tell a story about the South Pacific is truly an honor,” the Rock said to a cheering audience.
“Moana” is expected to hit theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.