Maui’s Hair and Prothetic Bondage Sparks Fan Roasts in the Moana Live-Action Reveal

Disney’s Moana is once again in the spotlight as a live-action adaptation, with Dwayne Johnson returning to play demigod Maui. The movie’s debut trailer has fans buzzing—but not for the reasons the studio likely hoped: many are fixated on Maui’s headpiece and hair, sparking a fresh round of online roastings.

Moana has long been a blockbuster cash engine for Disney, and the franchise’s merchandising machine only strengthens the case for a live-action reimagining. The studio is betting big on translating the original’s success to a new format, with Johnson reprising his fan-favorite role.

Reaction to Maui’s look in the trailer has been sharp. Social media users described the wig as looking more like cosplay than a mythic demigod, with comments such as “did they throw that wig in the air for him to catch on his head?” and “this ain’t Maui… this is a cosplay gone wrong.” Others joked that the ocean itself might have chosen a more elaborate hairstyle, while some viewers admitted that a non-bald Johnson felt off to them.

Director Thomas Kail weighed in on Maui’s hair as well, explaining to Entertainment Weekly that achieving the right look was a careful balance. The team wanted something that would lift convincingly on the water and would read well when wet, acknowledging that the accessory could add significant weight during filming.

Johnson himself has spoken candidly about the behind‑the‑scenes reality. He described the process of donning Maui’s prosthetic suit and wig as grueling, noting it took about two and a half hours to get fully suited. He recalled the heat and the logistics, including multiple people fanning him and helping pull the wig back between takes. The decision to use a real bodysuit and prosthetics rather than a fully CGI approach was driven by the tactile and emotional connection it offers the performance.

According to Johnson, the suit, hair, and added mass presented an extra challenge for acting—roughly an extra 40 pounds to move and carry during scenes. He described navigating the emotional work of performing with that weight on him, highlighting how the physical burden intersected with his craft.

Moana hits theaters on July 10, 2026. If you’re chasing more 2026 release updates, check out our full film release guide for the year.