Dwayne Johnson’s Moana First Footage Released

A Disney Channel preview of Moana has been released. While it doesn’t have any actual full, sound-and-motion footage, it does give a closer look at both the titular character and the demigod she teams up with, Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Moana is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th film, and will be the second from the studio in 2016, coming November 23. Zootopia hits first on March 4, 2016.

The story of Moana features a young girl who goes on a journey to discover herself and her connection to her family, teaming with the demigod, on his own journey of self-discovery, along the way. The first footage was shown at Disney’s D23 Expo in August, when Johnson appeared live on stage, and introduced the South Pacific band making music for the film. He talked about his personal connection to those gods and history.

“What makes it so cool is this story of Moana. I feel a deep connection to it, it’s my culture. I am proudly half-Samoan, half-Black. It’s in my blood. To tell a story inspired by the South Pacific is truly a great honor,” he said at the event. Johnson’s feelings were genuine, as he teared up at the footage shown of the film, and led the entire audience of thousands in a Samoan chant before the band played.