Pre-launch › Hype acceleration · 26 Mar 2026 · T−106
Johnson's Maui wig becomes a meme; Disney makes no changes
Social media users, including Weird Al Yankovic, mocked the curly wig worn by the usually bald Johnson. Variety reported the film would not undergo creative changes. Johnson and Kail explained the wig and 40-pound bodysuit in an Entertainment Weekly interview.
Why it matters
Unlike some earlier remakes, the studio did not alter the look. Johnson later said at the premiere he laughed at the memes.
AnalysisDetails
- Date
- 26 Mar 2026 · T−106
- Phase
- Pre-launch › Hype acceleration
- Category
- Controversy & reactive
- Markets
- Global
- Led by
- Fan / organic
- Partners
- Dwayne Johnson, Thomas Kail
- Channels
- X, Press
Sources 3
- Disney's 'Moana' Trailer Has Fans Mocking Wigs and Overall Look, but Film Won't Undergo Creative ChangesVariety · 26 Mar 2026 · variety.com · SecondaryVerifies: Wig mockery; 132M trailer views in 24 hours; no creative changes
- 'Moana's Dwayne Johnson On Wig & Prosthetics To Bring Maui To LifeDeadline · 23 Mar 2026 · deadline.com · SecondaryVerifies: Johnson and Kail on the wig and bodysuit (via Entertainment Weekly)
- Dwayne Johnson Laughed 'So F—ing Hard' When He Saw the Memes About His 'Moana' WigVariety · 07 Jul 2026 · variety.com · SecondaryVerifies: Johnson at the Hollywood Bowl premiere on the wig memes; 12 wigs
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