Dwayne Johnson's Moana Wig Sparks Fan Backlash in Live-Action Trailer
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has become the target of widespread online mockery following the release of the live-action Moana trailer on Monday. The 53-year-old actor, reprising his role as the demigod Maui from the original 2016 animated film and its 2024 sequel, appears in the two-minute preview with a wavy wig that has drawn sharp criticism from fans across social media platforms.
Social Media Reactions to The Rock's Hair
Fans quickly took to X and Instagram to share their unfiltered opinions about Johnson's theatrical hairstyle. One user wrote on X, "they really just slapped on a wig and called it a day," while another commented, "it's so rare seeing him with hair." The criticism extended to more humorous takes, with one fan asking, "Who did ur wig sis," and another stating, "the trailer looks nice except for D'Rock in a wig. That looks funny."
Some viewers expressed broader dissatisfaction with Disney's live-action remake trend. One social media user declared, "Live-action was a mistake. Some things are better left animated... this is one of them." Another added, "CGI slop! Rock's wig looks stupid!" while sharing a screenshot of a comment that read, "I hate this wig on you sis no maam."
Mixed Fan Responses and Production Challenges
Despite the negative reactions, some fans defended Johnson's portrayal. One supporter commented, "The Rock was born to play Maui in real life. Those tattoos look incredible! July 10th can't come soon enough." Another X user shared, "Such a perfect choice! I've always loved Maui so much... his energy, his songs, his whole larger-than-life vibe. Dwayne is gonna crush this role."
Johnson previously discussed the physical challenges of his transformation for the role in an interview with Extra. He revealed that stepping onto the live-action set was "eye-opening" and explained, "I have a handle on who Maui is. I know the voice, I know the man, I know his inspiration. I can access things. I got it." However, he acknowledged the difficulties of working with extensive prosthetics and the wig, stating, "That is an additional 40 pounds on you... that was an adjustment on how to actually work my emotions through the 40 pounds of prosthetics and hair and body that I had on me."
Director's Insights and Previous Controversies
Director Thomas Kail spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the practical considerations behind Johnson's appearance. Kail explained, "We knew that it had to be something that could have real lift to it... 'what does it look like wet?' is a real conversation when you're making Moana. That one weighs seven pounds more with all the water in it for all those hours a day."
This isn't the first time the live-action Moana has faced criticism. Late last year, fans slammed the initial teaser as "CGI slop" after its release. One fan remarked on X, "So we're getting a CGI slop fest marketed as a 'live-action' adaption for a... CGI-animated film that just got a CGI-animated sequel last year... right." Another added, "0.42 percent of this trailer is live-action," while one viewer claimed, "This might be the most unnecessary shot-for-shot live-action remake in history."
Cast Details and Release Information
The live-action Moana features Catherine Laga'aia, 19, in the titular role alongside Johnson's Maui. Additional cast members include John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owens. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10, continuing Disney's trend of adapting animated classics into live-action versions despite mixed fan reception.
Johnson's commitment to the role extends beyond vocal performance, as he previously showed off his physique while filming in Hawaii, though some fans speculated he was wearing a bodysuit. He addressed this in his Extra interview, saying, "That's a suit that took a long time to put on... I'm so happy you said, 'You bulked up,' because when you say, 'You bulked up,' that means you couldn't tell. That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on."
