People Think This Costume Disney Released For The 'Moana' Film Is Racist

Over the weekend, Disney did something it often does: released a new Halloween costume on its online store.

But, unlike its Buzz Lightyear spacesuit, Elsa princess gown or Mickey Mouse bodysuit, this costume depicted actual skin - brown skin covered in tribal tattoos to be specific.

The costume is that of Maui, a demigod in Polynesian mythology who has been animated and voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a character in Disney's upcoming "Moana." While Disney has of course featured brown-skinned people in its films before - "Pocahontas" comes to mind - it has not released a costume in which said brown skin itself is depicted as part of the outfit.

The costume's description reads, "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!"

Take a look:

Almost immediately outrage spread across social media from people decrying the idea of skin colour being used as a costume.

"As a Poly I support our folk involved in #MOANA. But this? NO. Our Brown Skin/Ink's NOT a costume," one user tweeted.

"Many people are Rightfully upset about this new piece of #Moana merch. Cultures are NOT costumes," tweeted another.

"Hey heads up, I've seen that Moana costume, and I seriously don't want to see it again. It sickens me, please don't ask me to talk about it," tweeted a third.

"This might be the creepiest thing Disney has ever done. 'Wear another culture's skin!' yet another person tweeted.

Some users claimed that those offended by the costume were overreacting, since it was based on a cartoon.

"People are seriously complaining about the Maui costume from Moana?! It's a costume!! Find something else to complain about," tweeted one user.

As of early Tuesday morning, neither Disney nor Dwayne Johnson had commented on the costume.

"Moana" follows the titular character, a young Pacific Islander princess, as she seeks a fabled island. Throughout her adventures, she meets characters - some pulled from actual Polynesian mythology - such as Maui.

The movie garnered praise for not just telling the stories of an underrepresented people in Hollywood, Pacific Islanders, but for featuring voice actors of colour to play the animated characters. Johnson, whose mother is of Samoan descent, voices Maui. Newcomer Auli'i Cravalho, a Hawaiian native, voices Moana.

The movie is set to hit theaters on November 23.