US EditionDisney's Moana Remake Sparks Debate as Fans React to First Look at Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Maui in Disney’s live-action Moana has sparked mixed reactions online with some fans praising visuals and others criticizing costume and casting choices.
- On Monday, Disney released the first trailer for the live-action Moana remake, featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui in full costume with a voluminous curly wig.
- Johnson, who voiced Maui in the 2016 animated film, is reprising the role in live-action, citing his Polynesian heritage and family background as personal motivators for the project.
- Critics immediately targeted the wig, with one user joking, "Girl it's cuz they need to pull his wig down more." Some viewers questioned the casting, noting the character doesn't look appropriately aged.
- Disney's strategy of reimagining animated classics reignited online debate. Commenters called the films "uninspired retreads" that fail to translate well into live-action format, though some praised the production's faithfulness.
- Scheduled for release on July 10, the film is directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The project aims to capture the global success of the 2016 animated original.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Disney has released a trailer for the feature film "Moana," starring Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. His wig, which was described as disturbing on social media, caught attention. The trailer follows Moana as she embarks on a journey across the ocean to save her people. Along the way, she is joined by Maui, a charismatic and powerful demigod, who is once again portrayed by Johnson. The film brings back familiar characters …
Disney debuts new live-action "Moana" trailer, poster and featurette - Alt A Review
NEW TRAILER AND POSTER FOR DISNEY’S “MOANA” NOW AVAILABLE “Artistry of Moana” Featurette Offering a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Film’s Craftsmanship Also Debuts Today “Moana” sails exclusively into cinemas July 10, 2026 – An all-new trailer and poster for Disney’s highly anticipated reimagining of “Moana,” starring Catherine Lagaʻaia as the wayfinder Moana and Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the trickster demigod Maui, are now availa…
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