For nearly two decades, Johnson has maintained a bald look. While there’s nothing wrong with that choice, seeing him don a conspicuous wig for Maui is jarring to many fans. On X, @LionMeezyN commented, “Original Moana is untouchable. This trailer looks like CGI cosplay with Dwayne’s Maui wig fighting for its life.” The struggle to see Johnson fully embody Maui is echoed by @EG_Robert1, who quipped: “HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That is NOT Maui. That is The Rock in a wig!”

The wig has been humorously compared to infamous hairpieces from pop culture, such as Tim Robinson’s in a “I Think You Should Leave” sketch where he inadvertently requests a dog-ear hairstyle, and John Cena’s blonde wig from “Barbie.” Although the original “Moana” is cherished as one of Disney’s finest animated features, this remake has so far generated only humor and memes.

Despite criticisms of Johnson’s wig, the live-action “Moana” is expected to be a box office hit. The 2024 sequel, “Moana 2,” grossed over $1 billion, despite lukewarm reviews, with outlets like Looper noting it didn’t capture the original’s enchantment. A similar outcome is anticipated if the remake sticks too closely to its source without innovation. After all, animation often provides a richer experience.

Adding a twist of irony, Maui’s character was initially imagined as bald in the animated version, but Polynesian consultants suggested he should have a full mane. While the decision for hair remains, a more fitting wig or alternate casting might have been prudent. Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, has been replaced by Catherine Lagaʻaia for this new film. Perhaps Johnson should have been recast too. The live-action “Moana” will premiere in theaters on July 10.

“Moana” is an epic tale of a young girl going on an adventure to save her people. There’s a demigod, a singing crab, and a living volcano entity. Those kinds of things translate best to animation, even with something as seemingly simple as Maui’s bodily proportions. He’s a big guy who’s literally larger than life, but in the “Moana” live-action trailer, he’s just the Rock, as buff as he’s always been. It feels somewhat lazy, as @DWLundberg wrote on X: “I just can’t get over the idea that they just slapped a wig on The Rock for live-action #Moana and called it good … I can’t stop laughing at that.”

What’s even more humorous is that Maui was originally designed to be bald in the animated film, but Polynesian advisors recommended he have a full head of hair. So while it makes sense for Maui to have hair, perhaps a better wig should have been used or someone else cast. Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, was recast with Catherine Lagaʻaia for the upcoming film, so maybe Johnson should have stepped aside too. “Moana” comes out in theaters on July 10.