Dwayne Johnson Reacts to Memes About Maui’s Hair in Moana

Dwayne Johnson Shares Why His ‘Moana’ Role Was "Jarring" for His Kids

When it came to the jokes about his character’s hair, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had no idea how far fans would go.

Ahead of Disney’s live action Moana hitting theaters July 10, the star, who reprises his role as Maui in the upcoming film, shared his reaction to the memes about his character’s luscious curls.

“They all made me laugh,” Johnson told E! News in an exclusive interview at the film’s Los Angeles premiere July 7. “People out there were like, ‘Ohh kay.’ I laughed so f--king hard. I’m sorry for my language."

And the former professional wrestler took the memes—which poked fun at the juxtaposition of his normally hairless head with Maui’s flowing hair—in stride.

“I get it,” he assured, “because I’m a bald actor and then you have the full hair. The memes, it was amazing.”

But what Johnson wasn’t OK with? Fans making assumptions about the quality of the live action adaptation, which caused online chatter when early images of the film were released.

“What we have to remember—this is a discipline for myself—is that when you see the first Moana, remember a first look is like looking at it through a microscope,” he continued. “I was like, give it some time! The movie will come out.”

Whatever the consensus about the film, though, Johnson—dad to Simone, 24, with ex Dany Garcia, as well as Jasmine, 10, and Tiana, 8, with wife Lauren Hashian—is brimming with delight over his role in it.

“I felt like I received a gift,” Johnson mused. “I feel like the emotions I’m feeling are gratitude and—I’m careful with this word—but just real pride. I’m proud of our Polynesian culture to be represented on the biggest platform in the world on the big screen.”

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Indeed, while he’s worn many hats—or in this case, wigs—the 54-year-old knows his time as Maui will always have a special place in his heart.

“History looks back on what we do,” he shared. “I’m lucky to be in this position with my daughters. I have all three of my daughters here. I love them and I’m so proud.”

For a deeper look at Johnson’s bond with his family, keep reading…

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