Culture Craze
Disney Faces $10 Billion Lawsuit Over Alleged Copyright Theft for Moana

Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, faces turbulent waters as animator Buck Woodall files a $10 billion lawsuit. Woodall accuses Disney of lifting key elements of his screenplay, Bucky the Wave Warrior, for the original Moana film without his consent.
The Allegations
Woodall’s lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims that Moana bears “breathtaking similarities” to his decades-old script, inspired by Polynesian culture. His story features:
- A teen protagonist embarking on a daring journey across Polynesian waters to save an endangered island.
- Ancient spirits manifested as animals that guide and protect the living.
Woodall asserts these elements were central to his screenplay and uniquely developed from his exposure to Polynesian culture.
He further alleges that in 2003, he shared his script with Jenny Marchick, a producer formerly at Mandeville Films, which worked with Disney on Moana.
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What Woodall Seeks
The lawsuit demands:
- $10 billion in damages.
- 2.5% of gross revenue from Moana 2 and its merchandise, which Woodall estimates at $5 billion.
In his filing, Woodall stated, “Disney’s Moana franchise exhibits breathtaking similarities to my screenplay for Bucky the Wave Warrior, which was inspired by my unique exposure to Polynesian culture.”
Disney’s History of Copyright Allegations
This is not Disney’s first legal battle over intellectual property claims:
- 2017: Zootopia – Screenwriter Gary Goldman alleged Disney copied elements of his work. The court dismissed the case, ruling there was no substantial similarity or evidence of access to Goldman’s work.
- 1994: The Lion King – The film faced backlash for its resemblance to the Japanese anime Kimba the White Lion. Disney denied direct inspiration but faced years of criticism.
Legal experts note that copyright law protects specific expressions of ideas, not the ideas themselves, making cases like Woodall’s difficult to prove.
Disney’s Response
Disney has consistently denied allegations of copyright infringement, maintaining that its creative processes are both original and lawful. In past cases, Disney argued that similar themes often emerge independently in storytelling, especially when inspired by shared cultural elements.
What’s Next?
Woodall’s lawsuit has reignited debates about intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. As Moana 2 approaches its release, this high-profile case could have significant implications for Disney and the broader creative community.
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