The internet is in uproar over the newly dropped trailer for Disney’s live-action Moana, which is being dubbed ‘racist.’
Nearly ten years after the original animated film starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson hit theaters, Disney is rolling out the live-action remake with The Rock returning as Maui.
Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia takes on the role of Moana, while Cravalho returns as an executive producer.
The movie once again follows the Polynesian teenager who sets out across the ocean to return the heart of the goddess Te Fiti.
Prompted by a summons from the ocean, Moana departs her home island of Motunui for the first time and travels past its barrier reef.
Accompanied by the demigod Maui, she undertakes a voyage aimed at recovering the well-being of her community.
The teaser runs just 60 seconds, showcasing the film’s most famous track, ‘How Far I’ll Go.’
Lin-Manuel Miranda worked on the original soundtrack, which fans instantly recognized in the new trailer.
People make same complaint about Moana live-action movie
Despite the hype, a lot of viewers are disappointed with how Moana has been brought to life this time around.
One person said: “I hate Disney so much.”
Another added: “This is why we can’t have nice things.”
A major point of criticism is Moana’s hair.
In the original film, she has thick, curly, ocean-tossed hair, but in the live-action trailer her hair appears noticeably straighter and flatter.
Many fans are calling the change an act of whitewashing, especially since Catherine’s natural hair seen outside the role closely resembles the animated version.
Why people are not happy about the new Moana movie
On X, formerly Twitter, one person said: “Making her have straight hair even though the OG hair of the actor is just like Moana’s is incredibly f***ing racist.”
Another added: “This looks awful and they whitewashed Moana.”
A third wrote: “So not only Disney got an actress who has lighter skin than animated Moana, they also straightened her hair because I guess they didn’t think they whitewashed her character enough.”
Fans are also pointing out that Disney developed new technology in 2016 specifically to portray accurate hair texture in the animated film.
According to the official Walt Disney Animation Studios website: “Moana featured characters with long curly hair interacting heavily with both the characters and their environment.
“This level of complexity in hair interactions and dynamics presented demanding simulation needs, which led to changes throughout the hair simulation pipeline, from grooming to technical animation.”
Not everyone sees an issue
However, not everyone is up in arms regarding the trailer.
Defending the trailer, an X user said: “Polynesians have straight hair too.”
Another viewer didn’t mince their words, adding: “Now woke weirdos are slamming [Disney] just for Moana’s hair being straight and not curled.
“You can’t make this stuff up!”
Not the first time Disney accused of whitewashing
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced whitewashing accusations.
Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog appeared with lighter skin and more Eurocentric features in the Wreck-It Ralph 2 trailer, leading to public backlash and design changes.
Despite controversy, the franchise remains massively popular. The sequel, released in November 2024, pulled in over $1 billion worldwide.
The live-action Moana hits theaters July 10, 2026.
