Moana’s Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to read CBeebies Bedtime Story

By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter

Moana star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story.

The 54-year-old actor and former professional wrestler will read Rock And Roll, written and illustrated by Ruby Amy Thompson, on Friday.

The book is about connection, shared experiences and finding common ground, and follows two seemingly different characters as they spend time together and discover unexpected similarities, learning from each other’s unique perspectives.

Johnson said: “Have you ever met two people who seem completely different but are actually more alike than you think?

“Take me for example, I try to be strong, I try to be confident, and I love a good adventure, and my friend, she looks nothing like me but she’s brave, she’s determined, she always stands up for herself.”

The book aims to celebrate the idea that friendship can flourish when we embrace our differences while recognising the things that unite us.

The actor reprises his role as demigod Maui in the upcoming live action version of the hit 2016 Disney animation.

The film follows the title character, played by Catherine Laga’aia, as she embarks on an journey to save her island of Motunui from an ecological disaster and sets sail to find Maui and restore harmony to the island by returning the heart stone he stole from the goddess Te Fiti.

The adventure ends with a final battle between a corrupted Te Fiti, who without the heart stone becomes a lava demon named Te Ka.

Johnson is the latest in a line of actors who have read for CBeebies Bedtime Story. The list includes Claire Foy, Pedro Pascal, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Felicity Jones, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth, Melissa McCarthy, and Jason Momoa, with all previous episodes available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Johnson’s CBeebies Bedtime Story airs on CBeebies on Friday at 6.50pm and will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.