Since the initial trailer release, fans have commented on Maui's new look, particularly the luxuriant and flowy hair that many found jarring compared to Johnson's usual appearance. Johnson has reportedly taken the humor in good spirits, laughing along with many of the comments.

I haven't laughed that much in a long time to see everybody's reaction to the wig, and I get it. I'm known to look like this, and that's what people are used to. And then they see me all of a sudden with a big, beautiful wig on. And it was so jarring for people.

Johnson noted that given his consistent appearance over the past two decades, he was not surprised by the internet's reaction to the significant change for his Maui portrayal. He found many of the jokes entertaining.

The internet does the internet. And my hope is when the internet did the internet, I was like, okay, please entertain me though, you know? And it was very, very entertaining.