Disney has released the first full trailer for its live-action remake of Moana, featuring Dwayne Johnson as Maui wearing a custom-designed 40-pound wig, according to Screen Rant. The trailer showcases the elaborate prosthetics and costume work needed to transform Johnson into the demigod, with director Thomas Kail confirming the challenges involved in this physical transformation.
The new live-action Moana stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana alongside Johnson reprising his role, with a theatrical release date set for July 10, as reported by Gizmodo and Mashable. While the trailer generated excitement over the star-studded cast and visual effects, it also faced criticism from some viewers focused on the aesthetics of Johnson’s wig and the overall acting style, per Mashable’s coverage.
Deadline noted that Johnson and Kail have addressed fan reactions, discussing their intent behind Maui’s design, which combines practical effects and prosthetics to stay faithful to the original character while adapting to live action. Variety emphasized that Johnson’s return reprising his voice and appearance is intended to introduce the story to new audiences decades after the original 2016 animated film.
The film’s production team continues to refine the look and feel of Maui, balancing authenticity with the demands of live-action filmmaking. Audience reception to the trailer will likely play a key role as Disney finalizes promotional strategies ahead of the mid-summer release, making the coming weeks critical in gauging public response.
Thomas Kail
Moana
Ben Johnson
Disney
