Disney has released a Halloween costume based on a character in its upcoming film and it’s causing quite the controversy.
Unlike Mickey Mouse, Cinderella or Maleficent costumes, this one depicts a skin colour: brown with tribal tattoos.
It’s based on the character Maui, a Polynesian god voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Disney’s film Moana.
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“Your little one will set off on adventures in this Maui Costume featuring the demigod’s signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt. Plus, padded arms and legs for mighty stature!” the description on the Disney website reads.
The film Moana — set to be released in November — follows the adventures of a young Pacific Islander who sets out to save her people. During her journey she meets characters pulled from actual Polynesian mythology.
Although some have praised Disney for basing the movie on an “under-represented” group of people and using voice actors of colour such as newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, a Hawaiian native, many were quick to criticize the costume on social media.
But some users on social media are saying that the Internet is overreacting and that the costume is harmless.
As of Tuesday morning, Disney had not commented on the costume.
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