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Animator Sues Disney: "Moana 2" Alleged Copyright Infringement
Published On: January 13, 2025.
Animator Buck Woodall has filed a lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, alleging that the "Moana" franchise, including the recent sequel "Moana 2," was derived from his original screenplay without his consent. Woodall claims that his work, titled "Bucky the Wave Warrior," shares significant similarities with the "Moana" films, suggesting unauthorized use of his intellectual property.
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Background of the Allegations
Between 2003 and 2008, Woodall asserts that he provided extensive materials for "Bucky the Wave Warrior" to Jenny Marchick, then the development director at Mandeville Films. These materials included a completed screenplay, character illustrations, storyboards, and a fully animated concept trailer. At that time, Mandeville Films had a first-look deal with Disney and maintained offices on Disney's Burbank lot. Woodall alleges that Marchick, now head of development at DreamWorks Animation, secretly passed his confidential materials to Disney, leading to the creation of the "Moana" films.
Woodall previously attempted to sue Disney over the original 2016 "Moana" film; however, a court ruling in November 2024 dismissed the lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. The release of "Moana 2" in November 2024 provided Woodall with a new opportunity to pursue legal action, focusing his current lawsuit on the sequel.
Claims of Similarities
In his lawsuit, Woodall points to numerous similarities between his work and the "Moana" films, including:
Polynesian themes: Both narratives are set in ancient Polynesia and involve a teenager embarking on a voyage in an outrigger canoe to save their homeland.
Animal guides: The inclusion of spiritual ancestors manifesting as animal guides is a central element in both stories.
Specific plot details: Both works feature a symbolic necklace, navigation by stars, a lava goddess, and a giant creature disguised as a mountainous island.
Regarding "Moana 2," Woodall notes additional parallels, such as the protagonist's mission to break a curse, encounters with a warrior tribe, and sequences involving oceanic portals.
Demands & Legal Proceedings
Woodall is seeking 2.5% of the gross revenue from the "Moana" franchise, which he estimates to be around $10 billion. He also seeks a court order affirming his copyright and preventing further infringement. As of now, Disney has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
Disney's Past of Legal Challenges
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges Disney has faced over alleged copyright infringements. In recent years, the company has been involved in lawsuits concerning films like "Frozen II," where artist Daniel E. Grigson claimed that a song in the movie was a rework of his 1999 track. Additionally, Disney has dealt with copyright disputes over "Zootopia" and "Inside Out," with plaintiffs alleging that Disney's works were based on their original ideas.
This case underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights within the entertainment industry. It highlights the challenges creators face in protecting their original works and the importance of clear agreements when sharing creative materials. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how studios handle submissions from independent creators and the measures they take to ensure originality in their productions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the court addresses the allegations and what precedents may be set for future cases involving claims of idea theft and copyright infringement.