Dwayne Johnson takes on a lead role in the Disney production.© Disney
Movies and Series
Disney is launching its latest live-action adventure. Although “Vaiana” has just hit theaters, social media has been buzzing for weeks over a particular detail.
09.07.2026, 10:4109.07.2026, 10:41
In recent years, Disney has increasingly focused on bringing beloved animated films to life. Following “Snow White,” “Mufasa,” and “Lilo & Stitch,” “Vaiana” (originally titled “Moana”) will be the next story hitting the big screen as a live-action production on July 9, 2026. However, when familiar film characters return in live adaptations, it often sparks a lively discussion among fans.
This is particularly true when one of the stars drastically alters their trademark look for the role. Currently, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is in the spotlight for his portrayal of demigod Maui. Despite the mixed responses, the actor’s reaction has come as a surprise.
Dwayne Johnson Laughs at Viral Memes of His “Vaiana” Look
“Vaiana” first premiered as an animated adventure ten years ago. Following a sequel in 2024, the film’s live-action adaptation is now generating buzz. However, even before its cinematic debut, one aspect has been all the rage on social media: Dwayne Johnson’s wig.
In the film, the 54-year-old replaces his signature bald look with flowing locks. This transformation was a hot topic during the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, as the actor explained to “Variety,” the long hair of his character Maui posed quite a challenge for the team. “I tried on twelve wigs,” Johnson reveals, adding:
“Maui’s hair is one of his powers, so we had to get the wigs just right.”
When the first trailer dropped, Johnson’s new look became a viral sensation, generating numerous memes online. Instead of feeling offended, Johnson took the fans’ reactions with a sense of humor.
In a chat with the industry magazine, he stated, “I laughed so hard when people first saw me in a wig.” Being made into a laughingstock online was therefore no surprise for him. “It was so, so funny. But I thought: ‘That’s fine. Just go watch the movie.’
“Vaiana” Live-Action Adaptation Sparks Criticism Among Fans
Shortly after Disney announced that “Vaiana” would be getting a live-action remake just ten years after its release, critical voices started to surface. Critiques that Johnson can understand. Yet he stresses why this project is especially important to him. “These are real flesh-and-blood people,” he explains, adding, “At the same time, there are values in this version that should be embodied by real people.”
The visibility and representation of Polynesian figures are crucial to him. As a child, he felt a dearth of these characters in films. Indiana Jones was his big inspiration: “When I was eight years old and saw Harrison Ford, I thought: ‘I want to be like him,’ but he didn’t look like me.”
The live-action adaptation of “Vaiana” is now showing in theaters. For those craving more from the Disney adventure, there’s good news: a third installment of the animated version has already been confirmed. However, specific details are yet to be revealed.
