The newly released trailer for Disney’s live-action Moana has set off a wave of backlash online. What fans hoped would be a thrilling first look instead sparked accusations of racism and calls for a boycott. The uproar centers on one surprising detail: Moana’s hair.

In the original 2016 film, Moana’s thick, curly, ocean-tossed hair became a defining part of her look. But in the new live-action trailer, newcomer Catherine Laga’aia appears with noticeably straighter and flatter hair. For many longtime fans, the change feels like a step backward — and even an act of whitewashing.

Social media quickly filled with angry comments. Viewers argued that Catherine’s real hair actually resembles the animated Moana more than the version shown on screen. Some accused Disney of lightening both the character’s skin tone and her natural texture, saying the studio “didn’t think they whitewashed her enough.”

Fans also pointed out that Disney once invested in new technology to accurately portray Moana’s curly hair in the animated film. That effort made the choice to smooth it out in the live-action version even more frustrating. To many, it felt like a loss of cultural authenticity.

Still, not everyone agrees with the criticism. Some viewers noted that Polynesians have a wide range of hair textures, including straight hair, and accused detractors of overreacting. The debate has quickly become divided, with strong opinions on both sides.

Despite the controversy, excitement for the film remains high. With Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui and fan-favorite songs included in the trailer, Disney is hoping the film’s July 2026 release will draw massive crowds — even as the conversation around representation continues.