Disney defies online outcry, stands firm on 'moana' remake's look
Disney is doubling down on its controversial live-action Moana remake, apparently unmoved by a chorus of online criticism directed at Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of the demigod Maui, particularly his elaborate wig. The studio, facing a tight four-month window before the film’s release, appears set to weather the storm rather than undertake a significant creative overhaul akin to the infamous Sonic the Hedgehog redesign.
The wig that launched a thousand memes
The latest trailer for Moana ignited a firestorm of reaction, with many viewers finding Johnson’s appearance – a 40-pound bodysuit and a lengthy, dark wig – jarring. The critique wasn’t limited to mere aesthetic displeasure; Weird Al Yankovic, among others, playfully suggested Johnson was attempting to emulate his own hairstyle. Beyond the Maui controversy, the trailer also drew fire for its reliance on CGI and a muted color palette, a stark contrast to the vibrant animation of the original. Comparisons to everything from AI-generated “slop” to a “T-Mobile commercial” proliferated online.
A familiar pattern for disney's remakes
According to a Variety report, Disney is well-acquainted with this kind of fan backlash, noting that criticism of live-action remakes is a recurring phenomenon. Post-production work continues on Moana, with ongoing efforts to refine coloring and visual effects. However, Johnson’s wig, it seems, is here to stay. The actor himself, speaking to Entertainment Weekly, defended the choice, stressing the importance of maintaining the character's pride in his hair, a defining trait from the animated film. Several iterations were considered, including a fully CGI solution, but ultimately, the physical wig prevailed.
The Paramount case with Sonic the Hedgehog serves as a cautionary tale, yet also a demonstration of the potential rewards of heeding fan feedback. After an initial disastrous reveal, the studio dramatically overhauled Sonic’s design, delaying the film’s release. The gamble paid off handsomely, with the film’s subsequent success spawning a lucrative franchise. But Disney’s current trajectory indicates a different path.
The financial precedent, however, suggests that even this wave of criticism won't significantly impact the film's box office performance. The live-action Lilo & Stitch, released last year, cleared $1 billion globally, securing a sequel. With a slate of live-action remakes already planned – including a Tangled sequel and spinoffs centered on Tinker Bell, Gaston, and even ambitious projects like live-action versions of Hercules and Bambi – Disney shows no signs of altering its course. The studio's relentless pursuit of nostalgia-fueled profits, it seems, trumps even the most vocal online dissent.