A wave of disappointment is crashing over Disney fans as the first trailer for the live-actionMoanaarrives. The film, a reimagining of the beloved 2016 animated classic, stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as Maui. But the initial excitement has been overshadowed by a growing controversy surrounding a significant change to the lead character’s appearance.
The heart of the debate lies in Moana’s hair. In the original animation, her long, flowing, and naturally textured curls were celebrated as a groundbreaking representation for many. Now, in the live-action trailer, fans are expressing concern that Laga’aia’s hair appears noticeably straighter and less voluminous, sparking accusations of “whitewashing.”
The outcry is particularly poignant given Catherine Laga’aia’s own naturally curly hair, which closely resembles the animated Moana’s iconic style. Social media is flooded with comparisons, with many questioning why the styling team wouldn’t embrace and celebrate the actress’s natural texture.
“Seeing the changes to Moana’s hair is heartbreaking,” one fan wrote online. “It was one of the first times I saw my texture represented in a Disney film, and it was a huge boost to my confidence.” Others echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration and disappointment at what they perceive as a step backward in representation.
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism regarding representation. The studio’s history includes past controversies, such as altering the appearance of Princess Tiana inWreck-It Ralph 2and facing accusations of colorism in casting choices for other live-action remakes.
The creation of Moana’s hair in the original animated film was a technological feat. Disney animators developed specialized tools to accurately simulate the complex dynamics of long, curly hair interacting with the character and her environment. This dedication to authentic representation now feels starkly contrasted by the current situation.
Despite the controversy, anticipation for the film remains high, fueled by the success of the recentMoana 2release. The live-actionMoanais slated to arrive in theaters on July 10, 2026, leaving Disney time to address the concerns and potentially revisit the styling choices for the character.
The debate underscores the importance of authentic representation and the powerful impact that visual media can have on audiences, particularly young viewers seeking to see themselves reflected on screen.
