The controversy surrounds the Halloween costume version of the demigod Maui, the character voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
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The replication of a cultural figure by Disney as a Halloween costume was particularly offensive because of its overall brown skin.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana”, a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.
The latest promo poster for the film was revealed by Dwayne Johnson, who plays demigod Maui in the film, on his Twitter account on September 12.
The costume looks great on the young male model because he has a similar complexion, but you can’t escape the fact that a white boy or girl is going to be in brownface.
Fans are saying the costume is “racist” and that Disney is using “cultural appropriation” in exchange for “monetary gain”.
Disney hasn’t returned the Daily Dot’s requests for comment, but it’s surprising in a day and age when the problem of brownface and appropriation comes up again and again that someone at Disney would somehow miss that this is a bad idea.
After months of announcements and teasers, the debut full-length trailer for Disney’s Moana has finally set sail-and boy, does it make a big splash!
The movie also features the voices of Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger and Alan Tudyk.
Others are expressing their support for the upcoming film in embracing diversity and support of Polynesian culture.
As The Post reported, “The common thrust of the criticisms is that the character is not conveyed to be strong or serious, and most complaints center on Maui’s physical appearance”.
The two venture on a journey to save Moana’s people.
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The movie is set for a November 23 release.
