Social media users have ridiculed Dwayne Johnson's curly wig and the overall dark look in the trailer for Disney's live-action 'Moana,' but the studio has no plans for creative changes. The trailer amassed 132 million views in its first 24 hours across platforms. Johnson defended the practical wig as essential to Maui's character.
The first trailer for Disney's live-action remake of 'Moana' sparked widespread online mockery, particularly over Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of the demigod Maui. Johnson, known for his bald head, sports voluminous curly locks in the footage, prompting reactions such as one X user calling it 'the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen' and another saying 'Dwayne Johnson with hair just doesn’t feel right… I can’t unsee this.' Comedian Weird Al Yankovic joined in, joking on X that the wig resembled his own hairstyle and quipping about headshots for a fictional biopic sequel being sent mistakenly for Johnson. Critics also panned the film's desaturated Polynesian visuals, with one user questioning how the production made the setting look 'washed out and dull.' Despite the backlash, insiders report less than 5% of social media mentions were negative, and the trailer outperformed first looks for 'Moana 2,' the live-action 'Mufasa,' 'Barbie,' 'Wonka,' and Johnson's 'Red One.' Johnson told Entertainment Weekly that donning the wig and a 40-pound prosthetic bodysuit took two and a half hours daily in makeup. He emphasized its importance: 'The wig was very crucial and important because, in holding onto the integrity of the character from the animated version, Maui was very proud of his hair. And he had beautiful hair, beautiful demigod hair.' Filmmakers considered digital hair effects but opted for practical ones as most effective for the audience. The movie, not yet picture-locked, was filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii, and at Trillith Studios in Atlanta. Cinematographer Óscar Faura and visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhofer oversaw the production. Disney declined to comment, and sources confirm no major creative pivots are planned ahead of the July release. Positive feedback highlighted Polynesian representation, with one Instagram user experiencing 'full body chills' and praising a princess resembling their people.
