Animator alleges Disney copied Polynesian adventure screenplay

In a high-stakes legal battle, animator Buck Woodall has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Disney, accusing the entertainment giant of plagiarizing elements of his screenplay for their blockbuster film Moana and its sequel. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court last week, claims Disney borrowed extensively from Mr. Woodall’s project titled Bucky, which centers on teenagers from an ancient Polynesian village embarking on daring adventures to save their homes.

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Woodall is demanding 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue, alleging that Disney used ideas and imagery he had developed over 17 years of work. “Disney’s Moana was produced in the wake of Woodall’s delivery to the Defendants of virtually all constituent parts necessary for its development and production,” the complaint reads.

Alleged use of unique plot devices

Woodall claims he submitted the screenplay and a trailer for his project to Jenny Marchick, a former director of development at Mandeville Films, who now works at DreamWorks Animation. Among the allegations, the complaint highlights a specific plot element involving a “perilous whirlpool-like oceanic portal,” which Woodall argues could not have been independently conceived by Disney.

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This isn’t Woodall’s first legal attempt against Disney. He filed a similar lawsuit over the original Moana film but was dismissed in November 2024 after the court ruled that the suit was filed too late. However, the release of Moana 2 in 2024 allowed him to revive his claims under new grounds.

Disney’s response

Disney has yet to comment on the new lawsuit. However, during the previous legal proceedings, the company vehemently denied any wrongdoing. “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,” Moana co-director Ron Clements stated in a court declaration. Disney also argued that no one involved in Moana’s development had seen Mr. Woodall’s materials.

Moana 2 and its phenomenal success

The sequel to the 2016 smash hit, Moana 2, premiered in 2024 and followed the protagonist, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, on a new journey alongside Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film’s financial performance was extraordinary, grossing $964 million and securing its place as the fourth-highest-grossing movie of the year.

The movie’s success isn’t limited to box office achievements. Critics widely regard it as a top contender for prestigious accolades, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the upcoming 2024-2025 awards season.

What lies ahead for Disney

As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes are monumental for Disney, both financially and reputationally. Should the court side with Mr. Woodall, the $10 billion claim—coupled with the potential tarnishing of Disney’s creative legacy—could have far-reaching implications for the entertainment powerhouse. For now, all eyes remain on the California courts as this high-profile case continues to develop.