MOANA 2

When Dwayne invited Briar and her three children to the world premiere of Moana 2, he wasn't entirely sure she would show up. Yet, much to his surprise, Briar did attend, making the event all the more special and noteworthy.

Dwayne, known for his warmth and charisma, was at the heart of the glamorous blue carpet event held in Kapolei, Hawaii. It wasn't just a typical premiere—it was a celebration of Polynesian culture, family, and legacy.

Dwayne brought his family along for the festivities, hoping to share the magic of Moana 2 with those who mattered most to him.

As the cameras flashed, Dwayne could be seen posing in a mint green suit, his signature tinted shades shielding his eyes as he stood proudly alongside his wife, Lauren Hashian, and his mother, Ata.

His four daughters, each one distinct in personality and style, completed the picture. Simone stood with an air of maturity wearing a long, floral dress and pendant choker, while the younger girls, Jasmine and Tiana wore matching tie-dye dresses in hues of orange, pink, and yellow, radiating youthful energy. Briar, standing to the side, smiled softly, her presence a quiet testament to the complexities of their relationship.

Briar wore a stunning floral majolica print silk gown, the fabric's intricate patterns catching the light as she stood next to Dwayne. Her heels, Paciotti-designed, clicked softly on the blue carpet as she held her three children close. Giselle looked effortlessly stylish in a Zimmermann floral-print dress, while her younger sons, Keola wore camo pants with a floral-printed jacket expertly layered over a white tee. Tane looked adorable in similar camo attire, completing the family ensemble.

It was clear that despite the unusual nature of their blended family, everyone had put thought into their attire, and their outfits complemented the festive atmosphere. The whole crew rocks floral leis around their necks.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Dwayne took a moment to ask if he could take pictures with Briar alone. The two posed for the cameras, capturing a fleeting moment of camaraderie that spoke volumes about their current relationship—still strained in some ways but showing signs of warmth.

Simone, standing off to the side, couldn't resist snapping a picture of her dad and Briar together, capturing the fleeting moment in time. Giselle, ever the self-assured young woman, pulled out her phone to do the same.

While there was an undeniable awkwardness between Dwayne and Briar, there was also an unspoken understanding—an appreciation for the effort Dwayne was putting into mending their relationship.

As the evening continued, Briar took the opportunity to speak with reporters about the cultural significance of Moana 2. She expressed her pride in the film's representation of Polynesian culture, a theme that had become central not only to the movie but also to Dwayne's work and his identity.

Briar, herself of Polynesian descent, was proud of the way the film had captured the beauty and depth of her heritage, and she wasn't shy about sharing that with the press.

While Briar was engaged in conversation, her children stood to the side, quietly observing. The evening's festivities also included a traditional Polynesian dance performance, a captivating display of cultural expression that caught the attention of many in the audience.

Dwayne's mother, Ata, one of the evening's most graceful and composed figures, was seated nearby, her eyes closed as she swayed gently to the rhythm of the music. The group of singers serenading her added a layer of magic to the moment, their harmonies echoing the sentiments of family and tradition that defined the Moana films.

Dwayne, ever the family man, watched with admiration as his mother danced, then, with a broad smile, motioned for him to join her. Without hesitation, Dwayne slipped off his suit jacket and walked over to her. He kissed his daughters on their heads—an affectionate gesture that spoke to his love for them—before launching into a spirited rendition of his character Maui's signature screech.

He joined his mother in the dance, seamlessly blending into the traditional movements, his body in sync with the rhythm as he celebrated both his culture and his family. Their dance was a visual manifestation of the themes of Moana: heritage, love, and the importance of family bonds.

The crowd cheered, and Dwayne, in his inimitable way, made sure to keep the energy high. He hugged Ata tightly after their dance and kissed her on the cheek, a gesture of love and respect that melted hearts across the venue. It was clear that the Moana 2 premiere wasn't just a celebration of a film—it was a tribute to family, to Polynesian culture, and to the values that Dwayne held dear.

In the midst of the star-studded affair, with A-list celebrities and VIPs mingling around them, Briar was pleasantly surprised to see some familiar faces. Her godmother, Kelendria, and her husband Cody were in attendance, along with their three kids. Briar was grateful to have her godmother there, knowing how important it was to have family support in such a public setting. The connection between the two families went beyond mere social ties—Kelendria and Briar shared a deep bond, one that had endured the challenges of time.

Cody, a WWE superstar, introduced Briar to some of his colleagues, including fellow WWE stars Colby and Rebecca. The couple, also at the premiere with their young daughter Roux, greeted Briar warmly, and the two families shared a moment of camaraderie amidst the glitz and glamour.

WWE President Nick Khan and Disney CEO Bob Iger were also in attendance, both figures of immense influence in the entertainment world. Briar, who had spent much of her life navigating the complexities of celebrity culture, took it all in stride.

As the evening wore on, Briar found out a fascinating piece of information: her younger sisters, Jasmine and Tiana, had done voiceover work for Moana 2, lending their talents to special characters in the film.

Dwayne, sharing his excitement in an interview with E! News, spoke about how surreal it was to work alongside his daughters in the movie. "It was really awesome, it was special," Dwayne said with his characteristic enthusiasm. "I'm in the background and I'm watching them work, it's like surreal, man. It was really awesome. It was really, really awesome. And especially something like this where it's about culture and they feel it, and they see themselves in Moana. That's really cool."

While Dwayne was enjoying the moment in the spotlight, the evening was filled with quieter, more personal exchanges as well.

Briar, still processing the whirlwind of emotions that came with attending such a significant event, was approached by Bob Iger, who struck up a conversation with her and Giselle.

The Disney CEO expressed interest in having Briar and Giselle work together on a future mother-daughter movie for the company. Giselle, ever the enthusiastic teenager, immediately agreed.

Briar, ever the professional, said her agent would reach out to discuss the details further. It was a moment of connection, one that hinted at new opportunities and creative ventures.

The premiere eventually wound down, but the evening was far from over. As they headed back to their hotel, Giselle pulled Dwayne aside, her youthful seriousness cutting through the lighthearted atmosphere. "Grandpa, can I talk to you?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Dwayne smiled, touched by the simple but significant change in his role within the family. This was the first time he had ever been called Grandpa, and it filled him with a sense of pride and joy that was hard to put into words. "Yes, what is it, sweetie?" he responded, eager to hear what was on her mind.

With a solemn look in her eyes, Giselle spoke earnestly: "I just want you to know that my mother needs you so you have to be a good father to her. And don't hurt her because then I'll have to hate you and I don't want to hate you."

Dwayne chuckled softly, understanding the protectiveness in Giselle's words. He was moved by the depth of her love for her mother. He took her hands in his, looking into her eyes. "I promise to be a good father and grandpa, okay?" he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Giselle hugged him tightly, her arms wrapped around him with the innocent trust of a child who just wanted to know her family would be okay.

Dwayne hugged her back, feeling the weight of the responsibility that came with being both a father and a grandfather—and knowing that moments like this made it all worthwhile.

The night may have been filled with lights, cameras, and the glamour of Hollywood, but for Dwayne, it was these quiet, personal moments—moments with Lauren, with his children, with grandchildren, with his mother—that made the evening truly magical.