‘Maui Without Hair Is Not Maui’: ‘Moana’ Director Defends Dwayne Johnson’s Controversial Look

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui look in the live-action ‘Moana’ remake became one of the most talked-about parts of the film before audiences even saw it, with many fans questioning the decision to give the actor a large wig. Now, director Thomas Kail has explained why the hairstyle was never optional and why Maui simply would not feel like the same character without it.

Speaking with Variety ahead of the film’s release, Kail explained that Maui’s hair is not just a visual choice but an important part of the character’s identity and cultural meaning. According to the director, the creative team knew from the beginning that Maui needed to have his famous hair because it represents his power and spirit.

“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,’” Kail said.

The director explained that the discussion around Maui’s appearance actually started long before the live-action remake. When the original animated film was being developed, the team spoke with cultural advisors about the character’s design. Kail said they immediately pointed out that removing Maui’s hair would change something important about who he is.

“As the conversation unfolded on the original ‘Moana,’ pre-2016 when the prospect of Maui, who was going to be played by Dwayne, was presented to the advisors on the film without hair, it was immediately flagged because Maui’s power and spirit comes from his hair,” Kail explained. “Maui without hair is not Maui. So we knew Maui had to have it,” he added.

Kail also admitted that the reaction looked different when fans first saw the wig in promotional footage. He believes some of the criticism came from seeing the design outside of the full movie rather than within the story.

“It’s a different experience when you see it in a two-minute trailer. When folks have been watching the movie, you sort of say ‘there’s Maui,’ and then you don’t think about it,” the director said.

The live-action ‘Moana’ marks another collaboration between Kail and Dwayne Johnson, who returns as Maui after voicing the character in the animated films. Kail said Johnson was always the only choice for the role and that the actor’s connection to Maui made him essential to the project.

“Dwayne is Maui. He was always going to be the one,” Kail said.

The director also discussed the physical transformation required to bring the animated demigod into the real world. While Johnson is already known for his impressive physique, Kail explained that Maui’s exaggerated look required additional work, including a specially designed body suit.

“It was like a skin that just went on top of his body,” Kail said, explaining that the suit helped maintain Maui’s appearance during scenes involving water while also allowing the character’s magical tattoos to come to life.

With the remake aiming to honor the original film while creating something new, Kail believes keeping important details like Maui’s hair was key to preserving what made the character special. For him, the wig was never just a costume choice, it was part of bringing the legendary character to life.

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