When it comes to impactful movies with a cult-following, often, stylistic elements take on a character of their own. In the case of the live-action adaptation of Moana, it is Dwayne Johnson's wig that became the main character. No sooner had the trailer launched than the internet began converging its focus on Johnson's hair, which carries more than just curls, but the depth of storytelling. Johnson, who plays Maui, wig quickly became a major topic of discussion, with memes, jokes, and curiosity peaking.

Johnson, who almost shocked the audience by having long hair on his head, has now opened up, revealing even heavier significance of the wig in the upcoming film.

Dwayne Johnson used the wig to cement his final appearance for the character, with the purpose of showing respect toward the character and the cultural traditions. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Johnson stated that the wig served vital functions because Maui's hair has an identity of its own throughout the animated movie. The production team needed to recreate the complete appearance of the demigod character in the live-action version with special attention to his tattoos and his costume elements, given their importance to the character's integrity, and the viewer's choice.

"The wig was very crucial and important because, in holding onto the integrity of the character from the animated version, Maui was very proud of his hair. And he had beautiful hair, beautiful demigod hair," the actor told the outlet.

Johnson stated that transforming into Maui required approximately two and a half hours of filming each day. This is because it included several crucial details when it came to prosthetics, bodysuit costumes, and hair. According to the outlet, the production team had tested several versions of the wig early on, trying to balance cost, time, and practicality. And they came to a solution, picking the one that would be the best for the audience and the film, Johnson said.

The designers needed to create a wig that functioned properly during water scenes, action sequences, and outdoor shooting because the wig would become heavier when it became wet. It weighed approximately 7 pounds when wet, both literally and metaphorically, carrying a gravitas like Maui in the highly-anticipated movie releasing soon.

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While everyone has an opinion on hair, Moana live-action adaptation might give viewers the best chance to see Johnson sporting a wig on his head. And the wait is almost over.

The live-action Moana will debut in theaters on July 10, 2026. It features Dwayne Johnson as Maui, becoming one of the first few actors to play the same Disney character both in animated and live-action versions. Starring alongside The Rock, Catherine Laga'aia will play Moana.

The film was originally slated for a June 27, 2025 release, but was delayed after the announcement of the animated sequel. However, the live-action movie's new IMAX release coincides with the 10th anniversary of the franchise and the release of the original film, adding yet another layer of significance to it, as Maui's wig does. From its costume elements to its release date, the film promises depth and heart to look forward to.

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What are your thoughts on Maui's wig? Let us know in the comments.