Disney has released the first trailer for its live-action remake of Moana, offering a look at the beloved story with a fresh cast and familiar faces.
Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia takes on the role of Moana, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui, the shape-shifting demigod he originally voiced in the animated film.
The remake follows the same central storyline, with Moana setting out beyond the shores of her home island of Motunui after answering the Ocean’s call. Along the way, she teams up with Maui on a journey that tests her courage and sense of purpose as she works to restore balance for her people.
The film keeps its musical roots, with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. Direction comes from Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton.
The Rock as Maui. Photo Credit: IMDb.com
While the trailer has drawn attention for its масштаб and visuals, much of the online conversation has focused on Johnson’s appearance as Maui.
Viewers quickly reacted to the character’s long, curly hair, with some sharing mixed opinions across social media.
One X user wrote, “the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.” Another added, “Dwayne Johnson with hair just doesn’t feel right… I can’t unsee this.”
Even celebrities weighed in. Weird Al Yankovic joked that Johnson appeared to be copying his look, writing, “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 addressed the reaction in an interview with Varietyy, explaining that the hairstyle was an intentional choice tied to the original character.
“The wig was very crucial and important because, in holding onto the integrity of the character from the animated version, Maui was very proud of his hair. And he had beautiful hair, beautiful demigod hair,” Johnson said.
He added that several versions were tested before landing on the final look, with the team ultimately prioritizing what worked best for the film and the audience experience.
“There were a handful of iterations that we were looking to apply very early. What is the most cost-effective? What’s the most time-effective? But ultimately, we have to go back to the main thing, which is, what’s the best thing for the film and the audience’s experience?”
The live-action Moana is scheduled to arrive in theaters nationwide on July 10.