Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has built a second career as a walking brand, happily attaching his name to everything from energy drinks and tequila to workout gear. His new line, Papatui, covers the full routine — face cream, deodorant, colognes, and even “nourishing” shampoo and conditioner. But the internet recently zeroed in on the one thing he’s famous for not having: hair.

Setting up the perfect punchline that he was selling something he couldn’t personally use. The joke took off when creator Katy Napier posted a TikTok clip pointing out that Johnson was fronting ads for shampoo and conditioner despite being bald. She played it for laughs rather than outrage, framing it as a kind of “don’t give up on your dreams” moment.

The contrast between his glossy hair-care campaign visuals and his clean-shaven head made the bit instantly shareable, and it quickly spread across social platforms. Instead of ignoring it or getting defensive, Johnson leaned into the gag. He reposted her video with his own edit, cutting in footage of himself as Maui from Moana, the animated demigod character famous for his huge, flowing mane.

In his caption and framing, he treated the whole thing as a good-natured roast, saying it genuinely made him laugh and playfully suggesting that even a demigod’s glorious locks need proper shampoo and conditioner. He also mentioned that he was sending Napier a small gift, staying on-brand with a warm, “you’re welcome” style sign-off in character.

On the heels of going viral as a bald guy selling shampoo, Dwayne Johnson is heading back to his most famously hair-heavy role as Maui in the live-action adaptation of Moana.

Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui in Moana live-action remake

The new film is a reimagining of the 2016 animated hit Moana, with Johnson reprising the demigod while newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia takes over as Moana, the young wayfinder chosen by the ocean to save her island of Motunui. The story closely follows the original, as Moana answers the ocean’s call and sails beyond the reef for the first time.

She teams up with Maui on a dangerous journey to restore balance and prosperity to her people. The trailers show Johnson’s Maui fully realized in live action, complete with his tattoos and a full mane of hair, facing off against threats like the giant crab and the fiery Te Kā. Directed by Thomas Kail and produced by Johnson, the film is designed as a large-scale theatrical experience.

It blends practical locations with musical storytelling and sweeping South Pacific visuals. Auliʻi Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana, joins as an executive producer to help carry forward the story’s cultural roots. With its July 10, 2026 release in U.S. theaters, Moana is positioned as one of Disney’s biggest upcoming projects.

What do you think about Dwayne Johnson’s viral response and his return as Maui? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui