The live-action trailer for “Moana” debuted on March 23 to much anticipation, with the stunning Pacific vistas leaving viewers in awe. However, the internet quickly honed in on what they believed to be the film’s villain: Dwayne Johnson’s hair. Critics on Reddit wasted no time in comparing the demigod’s hair to a “Spirit Halloween Three Musketeers wig,” questioning the decision for a $200 million Disney blockbuster.
The backlash stemmed from a misunderstanding of the importance of hair in Polynesian culture, fans explained. In Polynesian beliefs, hair is not merely a style choice but a vessel for mana, or spiritual power. During the creation of the original animated film in 2016, cultural advisors insisted that Maui be depicted with a significant amount of hair to accurately represent his status. The decision to outfit him with a questionable wig in the live-action adaptation sparked disappointment among fans, who argued that the Rock, being Samoan, should have understood this cultural significance.
Critics also pointed out a peculiar casting and styling choice in the film, noting that a bald actor was given a wig to play a character with curly hair, while a naturally curly-haired actress had her hair straightened. This inconsistency raised eyebrows among fans, who questioned the allocation of the budget for wigs in the production.
Director Thomas Kail defended the decision to give Maui a wig, explaining that it added significant weight when wet. However, fans were quick to point out that Disney’s animation department had previously gone to great lengths to accurately depict hair in their films, rendering the weight excuse inadequate for a movie with a $200 million budget.
With “Moana 2” having been released just two years prior, many social media users were left puzzled by the necessity of a live-action remake. Some questioned Johnson’s return to a role he had already portrayed, wondering if his interpretation would differ from his previous performance.
Fans emphasized the importance of preserving cultural markers like mana in the film, urging Disney to prioritize authenticity over convenience. Maui’s appearance in the live-action adaptation was met with skepticism, with many feeling that he looked more like a misplaced costume party attendee than a demigod.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.