Disney Faces $10 Billion Lawsuit Over Moana 2 Copyright Claims

Disney is facing a $10 billion lawsuit over allegations that its hit animated film Moana and its sequel, Moana 2, copied elements from a screenplay written by animator Buck Woodall. The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, claims that Disney infringed on Woodall’s copyrighted work, titled ‘Bucky,’ which shares striking similarities with the Moana franchise.

Woodall alleges that he provided his screenplay and a concept trailer for ‘Bucky’ to Jenny Marchick, then a director of development at Mandeville Films, in 2003. Mandeville had a first-look deal with Disney at the time. According to the complaint, both ‘Bucky’ and Moana feature Polynesian-inspired stories about teenagers defying their parents to embark on perilous voyages, encountering animal spirits and demigods along the way.

The lawsuit highlights specific parallels, including the protagonists’ journeys starting with a turtle, the presence of a symbolic necklace, and a giant creature hidden within a mountain. Woodall also claims that Moana 2 includes elements from his work, such as a mission to break a curse and a dramatic oceanic portal scene.

This is not Woodall’s first legal action against Disney. A previous lawsuit over the original Moana was dismissed in November 2024 due to the statute of limitations. However, U.S. District Judge Consuelo Marshall noted that there were ‘disputed issues of genuine fact regarding substantial similarity’ between the works.

Disney has denied the allegations, with Moana co-director Ron Clements stating in a court declaration that the film was not inspired by Woodall’s project. The company has submitted extensive documentation detailing the independent development of Moana, including story ideas, research, and scripts.

Woodall is seeking damages equivalent to 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue, which amounts to $10 billion, and a court order to prevent further infringement. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the future of the Moana franchise, which has grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide.