AceShowbiz - Following the success of last year’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, which shattered box office records, Disney is aiming to replicate that achievement with its upcoming live-action remake of Moana. The original animated film, already a significant franchise for the studio with two successful movies and a third on the horizon, is now being adapted for the big screen in a highly competitive July release schedule. This summer’s lineup also includes titles like Minions & Monsters, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, indicating Disney’s confidence in the project’s commercial potential.

Recently, Disney revealed a new trailer for the live-action Moana, but much of the online discussion has centered on the appearance of Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Maui—specifically his wig, which many viewers found unusual. In response, the filmmakers have shared insights into the design choices behind Maui’s look in the live-action adaptation.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moana director Thomas Kail explained the reasoning behind Maui’s wig design. He emphasized the importance of capturing the character’s presence as a wayfinder, noting, “You can just see him on the back of the canoe with the wind blowing.” Kail described the wig as needing to have a sense of real lift and movement, especially given the water-based scenes. The production team considered how Maui’s hair would look wet, which was a significant factor in the design process. Kail also revealed that the wig weighs about seven pounds once soaked, adding a physical challenge to filming.

Similarly, Dwayne Johnson discussed the practical difficulties of wearing Maui’s wig and body suit during his performance. He admitted that the combined weight of the prosthetics, hair, and body suit added around 40 pounds, which was a substantial adjustment. Johnson explained, “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.” This added layer of complexity highlights the demanding nature of bringing animated characters to life in a realistic setting.

The reactions to Moana’s live-action aesthetic have underscored the broader challenges filmmakers face when adapting beloved animated stories. Animation allows for stylized, exaggerated designs that do not always translate smoothly into live-action formats. Disney’s animated films are known for their distinctive artistic styles, where characters like Maui have iconic looks—his long, flowing hair being a signature element. While these features work well in animation, the live-action adaptation has sparked mixed reviews, with some viewers describing Maui’s appearance as “off” or unsettling, creating an uncanny valley effect.

Part of the reaction might stem from seeing Dwayne Johnson, who is usually bald, sporting a full head of hair to embody Maui. Hearing his voice in the animated version differs considerably from seeing him physically embody the character. It remains to be seen if audiences will grow more accustomed to this look as marketing campaigns intensify and once the movie is in theaters.

There is speculation about whether the backlash over Maui’s design will impact Moana’s box office performance. The film has the potential to be one of the rare blockbusters this summer to surpass $1 billion in revenue. However, initial word of mouth has been somewhat divided, which could affect its commercial trajectory.

It is important to recognize, however, that online criticism does not always reflect the views of the general moviegoing public. The core audience for Moana, primarily families with young children, may be less concerned with the character’s wig or costume authenticity. For many, these factors will not influence their decision to see the film, suggesting that the backlash might not significantly sway ticket sales in either a positive or negative direction.

Still, other movies releasing in close proximity could influence Moana’s box office. Notably, Minions & Monsters offers a strong alternative for family audiences. The Despicable Me franchise and its Minions spinoffs have historically been major box office draws, with Minions: The Rise of Gru earning $940.4 million worldwide four years ago. The presence of two family-friendly films launching near each other may split audience attention and spending.

Additionally, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a significant cinematic event this year. Its darker tone could lead parents of younger children to choose Moana as a lighter, more suitable option, potentially benefiting the Disney remake.

Ultimately, the success of Moana’s live-action remake will depend on a variety of factors beyond just the appearance of Maui’s wig and body suit. Marketing efforts, competition from other films, and audience reception to the story and performances will all play crucial roles in determining how well the movie performs at the box office.

Fans and moviegoers are encouraged to share their thoughts and continue the discussion about the live-action Moana and its portrayal of Maui in the ComicBook Forum.

This article is based on reporting originally published by ComicBook.com.