Disney Faces $10 Billion Lawsuit Over Alleged ‘Moana’ Copyright Infringement

Animator Buck Woodall Claims Disney Copied His Screenplay

In a dramatic turn of events, Disney is facing a $10 billion lawsuit filed by animator Buck Woodall, who alleges that the company copied elements from his screenplay for the animated film “Bucky” to create the blockbuster movie “Moana” and its sequel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Woodall is seeking 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue.

Similarities Between ‘Bucky’ and ‘Moana’ Highlighted in Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in the California federal court, claims that Disney’s “Moana” was produced using key elements from Woodall’s screenplay, which he submitted to Mandeville Films in 2003.

“Moana and her crew are sucked into a perilous whirlpool-like oceanic portal, another dramatic and unique device-imagery found in Plaintiff’s materials that could not possibly have been developed by chance or without malicious intentions,” the complaint states.

Disney’s Response to the Allegations

Disney has yet to comment on the new lawsuit, but during a previous hearing, the company claimed that no one involved in the creation of “Moana” saw Woodall’s materials.

“Moana was not inspired by or based in any way on [Woodall] or his ‘Bucky’ project, which I learned of for the first time after this lawsuit was filed,” director Ron Clements wrote in a declaration to the court.

Previous Legal Battles and Renewed Claims

This is not the first time Woodall has taken legal action against Disney. A similar lawsuit over the first “Moana” film was dismissed in November last year, with the court ruling that Woodall had waited too long to file the suit. However, the release of the sequel has granted him the ability to take legal action again.

Impact on Disney and the Moana Franchise

The lawsuit comes at a critical time for Disney, as “Moana 2” has been a substantial success, grossing $964 million and becoming the fourth-highest-grossing movie of 2024.

The film is also a leading contender in the Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories at various award ceremonies. The outcome of this lawsuit could have substantial financial and reputational implications for Disney.

Do you believe that Disney’s “Moana” was inspired by Buck Woodall’s “Bucky”? Share your thoughts!