Animator Sues Disney, Claiming Moana Infringed on His Screenplay

Veteran Animator Seeks $10 Billion in Copyright Infringement Suit Against Disney

Veteran animator Buck Woodall has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the blockbuster hit Moana (2016) and its sequel, Moana 2 (2024), infringed on his copyrighted screenplay, Bucky. Filed on January 10, 2025, in a California federal court, the lawsuit claims Disney copied substantial elements from Woodall’s work, including plot points, characters, and visual elements. The timing of the filing, close to the Academy Awards season, has raised questions about Woodall’s strategy.

A Tale of Two Island Tales: Bucky vs. Moana

Woodall alleges he pitched Bucky—including a screenplay, concept trailer, and supporting materials—to Jenny Marchick, then Director of Development at Mandeville Films, in 2003. Mandeville Films had a first-look deal with Disney at the time. He claims the similarities between Bucky and Moana are too significant to be coincidental. Both stories feature:

• Polynesian Setting: Both narratives unfold in the Polynesian islands.
• Teenage Protagonist’s Journey: Both center on a teenager embarking on a voyage of self-discovery.
• Ancestral Spirits: Both incorporate themes of ancestral spirits and their influence.
• Symbolic Necklace: Both feature a necklace with symbolic significance to the protagonist.
• Visual Parallels: Both include encounters with turtles and depict imagery resembling a swirling ocean portal, particularly prominent in Moana 2.

Woodall contends these overlapping elements, taken together, suggest Disney improperly appropriated his creative work.

Disney Denies Allegations, Citing Independent Creation

Disney has vehemently denied Woodall’s claims, asserting that Moana is an entirely original creation developed independently of Bucky. They argue that the shared elements are common storytelling tropes, particularly within the “hero’s journey” narrative structure, and do not constitute copyright infringement. Disney is expected to present evidence of their extensive research, cultural consultations, and the independent development process of Moana to support their defense.

A Second Voyage Through the Courts

This is not Woodall’s first attempt to sue Disney over Moana. He filed a similar lawsuit in 2022, but it was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. The release of Moana 2 has provided him with a new legal avenue to pursue his claims. Some legal experts suggest the sequel’s release might strengthen his case if he can demonstrate specific similarities between Bucky and Moana 2. However, others believe he faces an uphill battle, given the previous dismissal.

The $10 Billion Question: What Happens Next?

The lawsuit seeks a staggering $10 billion, equivalent to 2.5% of the Moana franchise’s gross revenue. This substantial amount reflects the perceived damage to Woodall’s work and potential earnings. The case now hinges on the legal concept of “substantial similarity.” The court must determine whether the similarities between Bucky and the Moana films are significant enough to constitute copyright infringement. This complex legal question requires a nuanced analysis of both works, and expert testimony is likely to play a crucial role. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the entertainment industry, particularly regarding copyright law and the protection of creative ideas in animation. The case is ongoing, and its resolution remains uncertain.