Want to belt out the lyrics to Moana 2 during your next movie outing? According to Dwayne Johnson, that's completely fine.
The actor, fondly known as “The Rock,” is reprising his role as Maui for a live-action Moana film currently being filmed in Hawaii. While promoting the animated sequel, hitting theaters this Wednesday, Johnson told BBC News that fans should feel free to sing their hearts out during screenings.
“Especially if you love music, that's the fun part. Sing! You've paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you've gone into a musical, and you're into it. Sing,” Johnson remarked.
This sentiment, however, has added fuel to a fiery online debate sparked by the recent release of Wicked, another highly anticipated musical. Many social media users have shared mixed reactions, noting that standard screenings should remain spaces where audiences can enjoy the original performers' work uninterrupted. Some argue that such sing-alongs are best reserved for designated screenings, which Wicked has planned to accommodate enthusiastic audiences.
Johnson's comments have drawn amused backlash, with some fans jokingly suggesting that if singing is allowed, other disruptive behaviors might soon be tolerated too. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm surrounding Moana 2 is undeniable, as fans gear up for the animated sequel's release on November 27th.
As debates over cinema etiquette continue, one thing is certain: musicals like Moana 2 and Wicked are sparking conversations about how audiences should engage with art in a shared space.
While Dwayne Johnson's encouragement is uplifting, it's understandable why some theatergoers might hesitate to embrace open singing in cinemas. Musicals are undoubtedly interactive experiences, but the immersive quality of these films often comes from their meticulous performances and soundtracks.
Personally, I think special sing-along screenings are an excellent compromise. They let enthusiastic fans participate fully without detracting from the experience of those who prefer silence. If anything, this trend highlights how passionate people are about musicals, ensuring their enduring popularity in entertainment.
Would you join in a sing-along screening of Moana 2, or do you prefer enjoying musicals in silence? Why?
