Dwayne Johnson Becomes a Disney Legend at D23 2026
Dwayne Johnson has officially joined the ranks of Disney Legends.
The actor and former professional wrestler received Disney’s prestigious honour during the 2026 Disney Legends Awards ceremony on August 16 in Anaheim, California. The ceremony was held as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Disney named Johnson among its 2026 class of honourees, recognising his impact on the company through his work as Maui in the Moana franchise and his broader contributions to entertainment. The 2026 class also included Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Jonas Brothers, Alan Tudyk and other major Disney figures.
For Johnson, however, the prestigious moment also became a chance to joke with his children.
Dwayne Johnson Jokes About His Disney Legend Perks
During an interview with PEOPLE following the ceremony, Johnson joked that his new Disney Legend status came with one particularly exciting benefit for his family: free Disney theme park tickets for life.
His younger daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, were reportedly excited when they learnt about the honour. Johnson said they sent him a video congratulating him and asking what becoming a Disney Legend actually means.
He responded with a playful explanation about the supposed ticket perk.
The joke quickly became one of the lighter moments surrounding Johnson’s major career milestone. It also highlighted the family connection that has become closely associated with his relationship with Disney.
Johnson Connects the Honor to His Three Daughters
Family played a major role in Johnson’s reflections during the ceremony.
The actor is a father to three daughters: Simone, whom he shares with former wife Dany Garcia, and Jasmine and Tiana, whom he shares with Lauren Hashian.
Johnson also recalled taking Simone to Disneyland when she was five years old. He remembered watching her make a wish during a breakfast experience with Disney princesses.
That memory took on added meaning as he accepted the Disney Legends honour.
Rather than focusing only on his career, Johnson spoke about the lasting memories families create through Disney experiences. That personal connection appears to be a major reason the honour was particularly meaningful to him.
The ceremony also took place shortly after Simone’s 25th birthday. Johnson marked the occasion by leading the audience in a birthday tribute to his oldest daughter.
Why Dwayne Johnson Was Named a Disney Legend
The Disney Legends Award is the company’s highest recognition for individuals whose work has made a lasting contribution to Disney. The award has honoured performers, creators, executives, Imagineers and other influential figures across Disney’s history.
Johnson’s connection with Disney became especially prominent through Moana.
He voiced Maui in the original 2016 animated movie and returned for Moana 2 in 2024. He also reprised Maui for Disney’s 2026 live-action adaptation of Moana, alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana.
Disney describes Johnson as both a producer and the performer behind Maui in the live-action film.
The live-action Moana was released in U.S. theatres on July 10, 2026, giving Johnson another major Disney milestone shortly before his Legends recognition.
What Is Next for Dwayne Johnson and Moana?
Johnson’s Disney journey is not ending with the Legends Award.
The actor previously revealed that discussions are underway for Moana 3. During promotion for the live-action film, he said writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller would work on the third animated instalment.
However, details about the movie remain limited. Disney has not announced a full release schedule or detailed plot information in the sources reviewed for this report.
Johnson’s comments do indicate that Maui remains an important part of his connection to the franchise.
A Milestone That Blends Career and Family
Being named a Disney Legend represents a major recognition of Johnson’s long relationship with the company. Yet his comments after the ceremony focused just as much on family as they did on his career.
From his daughters’ reaction to his playful ticket joke to his emotional memory of taking Simone to Disneyland, the occasion gave Johnson an opportunity to reflect on what Disney means beyond movies and characters.
For an actor whose career has moved from professional wrestling to blockbuster films and major entertainment ventures, the Disney Legends honour adds another significant chapter to an already wide-ranging career.
And if Johnson’s joke is anything to go by, his daughters may be the most enthusiastic beneficiaries of the new title.