Dwayne Johnson's best advice to kids: 'You got to have fun in the moment'
Synopsis
On the press tour for the live-action Moana, Dwayne Johnson told a group of school kids that the best advice he could offer was simply this: have fun in the moment. It's a small exchange, but it captures exactly why Johnson's star power endures — and why the film's promotional campaign is already generating genuine warmth ahead of its 10 July 2026 release.
Key Takeaways
Dwayne Johnson shared a video on Instagram interacting with school children during the Moana live-action press tour.
His key advice to kids: 'You got to have fun in the moment' — delivered in a candid, unscripted exchange.
Johnson also reassured one child's classmates that the meeting was real: 'This is not AI.
This is like real stuff.' The live-action Moana is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, with Johnson reprising his role as Maui .
The film is a reimagining of the 2016 animated classic and is set for theatrical release on 10 July 2026 .
Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson used the press tour for his upcoming live-action film Moana to deliver a heartfelt message to young fans — keep having fun, no matter what life throws at you. The encounter, which Johnson shared on his Instagram on Monday, quickly resonated with audiences ahead of the film's theatrical debut.
The Moment That Stood Out
During an interaction with a group of school children, one kid confessed to Johnson, 'I actually love school. I just don't like the fact that they don't believe I'm meeting you right now.' Johnson's response was characteristically warm and grounded: 'No one believes it, but they're going to believe it now. Well, this is not AI. This is like real stuff.'
The exchange drew laughter and underscored a recurring theme in Johnson's public persona — accessibility and authenticity, especially with younger audiences.
The Advice Johnson Gave
When another child asked what advice he would offer to kids, Johnson kept it simple and sincere. 'To have fun. And that's important. Do you guys like having fun? Alright, make sure, because life is crazy, right? Yes, we're having fun right now. You got to have fun in the moment, right? You're having fun right now. Life is nuts,' he said.
The message, while brief, carries weight coming from Johnson — an actor and former professional wrestler who has spoken openly in the past about personal struggles, including bouts of depression. His emphasis on present-moment joy reflects a broader philosophy he has consistently shared with fans across platforms.
About the Film: Moana Live-Action
The interaction took place in the context of the press tour for Moana, the live-action reimagining of the beloved 2016 animated hit. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as the titular character Moana and sees Dwayne Johnson reprise his iconic role as the demigod Maui.
The story follows Moana, a young wayfinder from Motunui, who ventures beyond her island's reef after answering the call of the ocean, embarking on a journey to restore balance to her people. The film carries the considerable challenge of recreating the magic of a widely loved animated classic for a new generation.
Release and What to Expect
Moana is scheduled for theatrical release on 10 July 2026. Anticipation has been building steadily, with the press tour generating organic buzz — particularly moments like this one, where Johnson's off-script warmth with children has cut through the promotional noise.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on whether the live-action adaptation can match the cultural impact of the original.
Point of View
But the clip's organic spread suggests it landed differently. Press tours are engineered moments; unscripted warmth with children is not. The real story here is how Johnson continues to use authenticity as a brand asset more effectively than most Hollywood stars manage with entire PR teams. For the Moana live-action, that goodwill is currency — the film needs audience trust to step out from the shadow of a near-perfect animated original.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What advice did Dwayne Johnson give to kids during the Moana press tour?
Dwayne Johnson told school children to 'have fun in the moment,' saying life is unpredictable and that enjoying the present is what matters most. He shared the interaction via an Instagram video posted on Monday.
What is the live-action Moana film about?
The live-action Moana is a reimagining of the 2016 animated hit, following young wayfinder Moana from Motunui as she ventures beyond her island's reef to restore balance to her people. It is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui.
When does the live-action Moana release in theatres?
The live-action Moana is scheduled for theatrical release on 10 July 2026.
Who plays Moana in the live-action remake?
Catherine Lagaʻaia plays the title role of Moana in the live-action film, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui from the original 2016 animated feature.
Where did Dwayne Johnson share the video with school kids?
Johnson shared the video on his official Instagram account on Monday, during the press tour for the upcoming live-action Moana film.
