The first trailer for the live-action Moana has officially dropped, giving fans a first look at Disney’s ambitious reimagining of the beloved 2016 animated hit—and sparking plenty of conversation online, especially about Dwayne Johnson’s surprising new look.
The film follows the same core story as the original: a brave young Polynesian girl sets out on a journey across the ocean to save her island from a mysterious curse. Rising actress Catherine Laga’aia steps into the lead role of Moana, delivering a spirited performance and belting the iconic song How Far I’ll Go in the trailer. Fans immediately noted her energy and commitment to the role, which mirrors the adventurous, determined spirit of the animated character.
Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, bringing back the character’s playful charm, transformative abilities, and signature tattoos. But the biggest talking point online quickly became his hair—a long, brown mane that is a stark departure from the actor’s usual shaved look. Social media users flooded the trailer comments with humorous reactions, comparing the style to past roles like The Scorpion King, Old Spice commercials, and joking that “The Rock with curly hair is sending me.” While playful, these reactions highlight just how memorable the transformation is.
Behind the scenes, Johnson revealed that returning to Maui’s role required more than just a change in hairstyle. In a recent interview, he explained that the prosthetics, costume, and hair added around 40 pounds to his performance, making it physically demanding. “There’s a freedom when you perform, whether it’s as an actor or singing. So that was an adjustment on how to actually work my emotions through the 40 pounds of prosthetics and hair and body that I had on me,” Johnson said.
Beyond the physical transformation, the trailer hints at the film’s faithfulness to the original story while introducing fresh visuals and a live-action perspective. Fans were particularly excited to see Moana navigating the ocean, interacting with Maui, and embracing her journey of courage and self-discovery. Johnson’s portrayal, paired with Laga’aia’s Moana, promises a blend of humor, heart, and epic adventure.
As discussions about Johnson’s hair dominate online chatter, it’s clear that anticipation for the live-action Moana is strong. The trailer has already sparked debates, memes, and predictions about the film’s approach to iconic scenes and characters. With a fresh cast, updated visuals, and a beloved story, Disney’s live-action Moana is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year, showing that even small details—like a demigod’s hair—can make a big splash.
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