Dwayne Johnson's curly wig for the live-action 'Moana' has drawn widespread mockery online, but sources say Disney has no plans to make major creative changes to the film. The trailer, released last week, garnered 132 million views in its first 24 hours across YouTube and other platforms, outperforming first looks for 'Moana 2', 'Mufasa', 'Barbie', 'Wonka', and Johnson's 'Red One'.
Social media users targeted the wig worn by Johnson, who reprises his voice role as the demigod Maui. One X user called it 'the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen', while another wrote, 'Dwayne Johnson with hair just doesn’t feel right… I can’t unsee this.' Comedian Weird Al Yankovic joked that the curl pattern resembled his own, posting a close-up with the caption: 'We’ve told all the casting agents that the Weird Al biopic sequel is currently on hold, but they just keep sending in headshots.'
Johnson told Entertainment Weekly he spent two and a half hours daily in the makeup chair for the wig and a 40-pound prosthetic bodysuit. He explained that the wig was 'very crucial' to maintain the character's integrity, as Maui was 'very proud of his hair' in the animated version. The filmmakers considered using digital effects but opted for practical hair after multiple iterations.
Criticism also targeted the film's overall look, with one user remarking, 'I don’t understand how they managed to make Polynesia, of all places, look so washed out and dull.' The movie was shot on location in Oahu, Hawaii, and at Trillith Studios in Atlanta, where visual effects-heavy sequences were completed. Cinematographer Óscar Faura blended in-camera footage with digital elements to match the images.
Despite the backlash, insiders argue that negative comments represent less than 5% of mentions, and the trailer performed strongly among parents. One Instagram user wrote, 'I’m more excited about this than my five year old,' while another praised Polynesian representation, saying they had 'full body chills' seeing 'a princess that looks like my people.' The film is not yet picture-locked, meaning colour and visual effects are still being finalised.
