Moana live-action trailer sparks whitewashing claims over hair

The newly released Moana live-action trailer has reignited debates about representation in Hollywood after viewers criticised how the lead character’s hair appears to have been altered. While the trailer is being praised for its production values, a number of commentators — particularly within Pacific Islander and hair-positivity communities — say the look diverges from the animated character and fuels long-standing concerns about whitewashing in casting, styling and hair presentation.

What changed in the trailer?

Descriptions circulating online highlight that the live-action Moana’s hair in several scenes looks different from the original animated design: critics point to texture, colour and styling that seem to soften or straighten the fuller, coiled look many viewers associate with the character. These observations have prompted calls for greater cultural sensitivity when reimagining characters whose appearance is integral to ethnic identity.

While Disney has not issued a detailed statement about the styling choices, the reaction fits into a broader conversation about how mainstream productions portray hair belonging to historically marginalised groups — and the implications that has for audiences seeking authentic representation.

Why hair matters for cultural representation

Hair is rarely just hair. For many communities, it is a living expression of culture, history and identity. When a character like Moana — rooted in Polynesian storytelling — has their hair altered in ways perceived to align with Eurocentric beauty norms, viewers often see it as erasure rather than an aesthetic choice.

• Hair texture and style are culturally meaningful; misrepresentation can feel like a denial of identity.
• Mainstream visibility of diverse hair types matters for normalising and celebrating them on screen.
• Styling choices in high-profile films influence industry standards, hairdressing education and product demand.

Film and TV productions have technical and creative teams responsible for hair — but the decisions they make are filtered through creative direction, marketing priorities and, at times, commercial pressure. That makes hair a flashpoint for discussions about who is at the table when characters are restyled for live-action remakes.

Public and industry reactions

The trailer prompted immediate responses across social platforms. Supporters of the film emphasise that a trailer is a small sample and that the finished film may present a fuller context for styling choices, including scenes that honour traditional looks. Others insist that trailers often set audience expectation and that early impressions matter — especially when those impressions involve perceived cultural dilution.

Stylist and industry commentary has also appeared, with voices calling for more transparent collaboration with cultural consultants, hairstylists specialising in textured and coily hair, and greater representation among the art and costume departments. The argument is not just aesthetic: it is practical. Authentic styling requires expertise, time and products suited to specific hair types — something that historically has been under-resourced on many mainstream sets.

Practical lessons for filmmakers and stylists

Whether you work in film, run a salon, or simply care about accurate representation, the Moana trailer moment offers a set of practical takeaways:

• Include cultural consultants early in the process: their input can guide hair, costume and makeup decisions from concept to screen.
• Hire diverse hair teams: stylists with lived experience of particular hair types bring both technical skill and cultural understanding.
• Allocate adequate time and resources: authentic textured-hair styling can require specific products, techniques and prolonged on-set maintenance.
• Respect visual continuity and lore: for characters rooted in particular communities, research and fidelity to established visuals matter to audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Small styling choices in major films can carry large cultural weight; hair is often a visible signifier of identity.
• The Moana trailer prompted criticism because many viewers felt the lead’s hair had been softened or altered away from the animated design.
• Authentic representation benefits from early collaboration with cultural advisers and hair specialists experienced with textured hair.
• Industry practices — from hiring to budgeting — shape whether on-screen hair feels accurate or erasing.
• Audience feedback online shows an appetite for nuanced representation; filmmakers can use that engagement to improve future portrayals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the criticism about hair the same as saying the casting was wrong?
A: Not necessarily. Criticism about hair focuses on styling and presentation rather than casting alone. Viewers can be supportive of an actor’s performance while questioning whether hair and costuming honour the character’s cultural origins.

Q: What does ‘whitewashing’ mean in this context?
A: Whitewashing broadly refers to altering characters, narratives or visuals so they align more closely with Eurocentric aesthetics or sensibilities, diminishing the visibility of other cultures. In hair terms, it can mean straightening, lightening or otherwise changing hair texture and colour in ways that distance a character from their cultural roots.

Q: Could the trailer be misleading compared with the finished film?
A: Yes. Trailers offer snapshots and may emphasise certain looks. The full film may present a wider range of styling and more context that addresses initial concerns. However, trailers often shape early public perception, which is why the styling choices they show attract attention.

Q: How can film productions do better with hair representation?
A: Productions can hire hair teams experienced with the relevant hair types, engage cultural consultants, allocate time in shooting schedules for authentic styling, and ensure decision-makers include people from the communities portrayed.

Q: What can viewers do if they’re concerned about representation?
A: Constructive engagement helps — for example, sharing why certain choices feel erasing, supporting voices from the affected communities, and encouraging studios to publish behind-the-scenes materials that show collaborative decision-making.