‘Moana’ Film Updates: Disney Stops Selling Controversial Maui Costume for Cultural Misappropriation; Features New Female Lead with More Realistic Body Shape

‘Moana’ recently came under fire for an allegedly “brown face”-promoting costume but has recently pulled the merchandise from its shelves. The controversial Maui costume was criticized for cultural misappropriation. Meanwhile, the upcoming film is set to feature a new female lead with a more realistic body shape.

According to E! News, Disney has pulled the controversial Maui costumes from its shelves after it came under fire online for cultural misappropriation. The zip-up costume, which sold for $44.95 - $49.95, stirred some controversy on social media. It was complete with the demi-god’s signature full-body tattoos, a full-on island grass skirt, a rope necklace, and padded arms and legs.

A statement from Disney read, "The team behind Moana has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific Islands that inspired the film, and we regret that the Maui costume has offended some. We sincerely apologize and are pulling the costume from our website and stores."

The outfit was part of Disney’s promotional clothing, toy line and accessories for the upcoming animated film. However, the Maui costume was deemed culturally inappropriate.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to voice Maui in the new Disney film. His character’s large build, tanned skin, and traditional tattoos were adapted for the costume, which was criticized for cultural insensitivity and promoting “brown face” - or “Polyface” - while disrespecting Pacific Island culture.

According to Straits Times, this is not the first time that Disney has been criticized for its animated films. For instance, 2010’s ‘Tangled’ was criticized for its change of title from ‘Rapunzel’. Studio executive reportedly opted for the change thinking that a movie about a female lead would not appeal to the mae demographic.

‘Frozen’, released on 2013, was also criticized for the stick-thin depiction of its female leads Anna and Elsa despite being critically and commercially successful. According to The Times, ‘Moana’ aims to break beauty standards by featuring a more realistic-bodied female lead character.

‘Moana’ is an upcoming action-adventure animated film directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. It is produced by Osnat Shurer and executive produced by John Lasseter.

The film is scheduled to be released on November 23, 2016. It is produced under Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures.