Moana director doubles down on Dwayne Johnson’s wig as memes swirl

If you've managed to avoid the online storm about Dwayne Johnson's hairpiece in the live-action Moana, congratulations. The internet's been having a field day with it, and honestly, I can see why. Johnson, who's famously bald (and seems fairly content with that, let's be fair), suddenly pops up as Maui sporting a mane that wouldn't look out of place at a pantomime audition. The reactions? Let's just say they haven't been subtle.

How We Ended Up With Dwayne Johnson in a Wig

So why the wig? Turns out, there's more to it than just sticking to the animated original's look. Director Thomas Kail recently explained that it's actually a pretty important cultural detail. In his words:

"My joke about it was that I mostly saw Dwayne on set, so I didn't know he was bald. Every time I saw Dwayne, he's wearing that wig. I was like, 'Oh, it's great.'"

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but Kail went on to clarify. Apparently, during the early development of the first (animated) Moana, there was some early concept art of Maui—already modelled on Johnson—with no hair, just tattoos all over his head, face, and neck. The creative team thought, "Let's go with that—bald Maui for our bald lead." Cultural advisers stepped in and said absolutely not. Maui's hair is crucial to his whole demigod identity—no hair, no Maui. Simple as that. So, the wig was always non-negotiable, even if it now looks a bit like cosplay at your uncle's summer barbecue.

The Internet Response: Memes for Days

The memes kicked off straight away, with plenty of people poking fun at the luscious locks. And Johnson himself seems good-natured about it. After a TikTok called him out for trying to flog "shampoo and conditioner" through his personal brand while playing a notoriously bald character in a giant wig, he apparently took it in stride. Johnson responded with a tongue-in-cheek pose in his Maui hair, saying, "Hey, sometimes a Demigod's radiant and ravishing hair needs shampoo/conditioner." At least he's embracing the weirdness.

• Dwayne Johnson plays Maui in live-action Moana, wig and all.
• Director Thomas Kail says the wig is essential, not optional, due to cultural reasons tied to the character.
• The original animated film nearly had a bald Maui, but that concept was shut down for the same reason.
• Johnson is well aware of the memes and jokes, and seems to enjoy the banter.
• The film is out in cinemas now, so you can judge the hair for yourself.