The Wig That Broke the Internet
Disney's live-action remake of Moana has generated significant buzz, but not for its visual effects or storyline. Instead, the internet is fixated on Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's wig. The actor reprises his role as Maui, the shapeshifting demigod known for his long, flowing hair. However, Johnson is famously bald, creating a dilemma that the filmmakers solved with a hairpiece. The result has been met with widespread mockery and memes.
Why the Wig Matters
Maui's hair is central to his character, symbolizing virility and personality. Johnson's baldness is equally iconic, making the wig a focal point. Memes have described the hairpiece as "fighting gravity, the wind, and its own contract obligations" and looking like "a shake-n-go wig from Spirit Halloween." Johnson himself laughed off the criticism, telling a red carpet reporter that the memes made him laugh "so fucking hard."
A History of Wigs
This is not Johnson's first wig. In 2025's The Smashing Machine, he wore a wig that went largely unnoticed, likely due to extensive prosthetics. In 2001's The Mummy Returns, he also wore a wig, but it was more believable. The difference, critics say, is the Moana wig's artificial appearance, looking like it was made from nylon and requiring constant maintenance.
Financial Outlook
Despite the mockery, Moana is expected to perform well financially. If a sequel is greenlit, fans hope for a bald Maui to avoid further wig-related controversy.
