Disney Faces $10 Billion Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘Moana 2’

Animator Seeks Fortune in Moana 2 Copyright Clash

Animator Buck Woodall has launched a $10 billion copyright infringement lawsuit against Disney, alleging the studio’s hit sequel, Moana 2, lifts key elements from his 2003 screenplay, “Bucky.” Filed on January 10, 2025, just weeks after Moana 2 sailed past $950 million at the global box office, the suit alleges Disney repurposed Woodall’s core narrative and characters, echoing his earlier (dismissed) legal challenge against the original Moana film. Disney vehemently denies the allegations, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.

Key Allegations and Disney’s Response

Woodall claims Moana 2 mirrors several crucial plot points from “Bucky,” including a swirling oceanic portal, a hero’s quest to break a generational curse, and a perilous voyage to save a cherished ancient island. He further alleges the inclusion of a demigod character wielding a hook and adorned with tattoos, similar to a figure in his screenplay. Woodall asserts he pitched “Bucky” to Disney years prior, suggesting they had access to his work.

Disney’s legal team counters that no one involved in either Moana film ever saw or had access to “Bucky.” They’ve submitted documentation to the court purporting to showcase their independent creative process, emphasizing that the Moana story originated entirely within Disney studios. This echoes their defense in the prior lawsuit regarding the original Moana, which was dismissed in November 2024 on statute of limitations grounds, not on the merits of the case.

A Timeline of Events

Event	Date
“Bucky” Script Completed	2003
Moana 2 Theatrical Release	November 27, 2024
Lawsuit Filed	January 10, 2025

A Deeper Dive into the Alleged Similarities

A closer look at Woodall’s claims reveals specific narrative overlaps he believes demonstrate more than mere coincidence. Both “Bucky” and Moana 2 reportedly feature:

Feature	“Bucky” (Allegedly)	Moana 2 (Allegedly)
Protagonist	Teenager embarking on an ocean voyage	Teenager embarking on an ocean voyage
Spirit Guides	Appear in animal forms	Appear in animal forms
Powerful Deity	Wields a Hook, Adorned with Tattoos	Wields a Hook, Adorned with Tattoos
Central Conflict	Breaking a Generational Curse	Breaking a Generational Curse
Key Location	Ancient Island	Ancient Island

While these elements are common in Polynesian mythology and storytelling, Woodall contends the combination and specific details are too similar to be coincidental. This raises complex questions about the line between inspiration and infringement, particularly given the admitted lack of access by the Moana 2 creators to Woodall’s screenplay.

The $10 Billion Question and Its Implications

Woodall’s demand for $10 billion, calculated as 2.5% of the Moana franchise’s projected earnings, has raised eyebrows across the industry. Some legal experts suggest this substantial figure is a strategic tactic to apply pressure on Disney and potentially set a new precedent for damages in copyright infringement cases. Others argue it’s unlikely to be awarded in full, given the challenges of proving idea theft in the absence of direct evidence of copying.

What Happens Next?

The case is currently pending in California federal court. Legal analysts suggest Woodall faces an uphill battle, particularly given the dismissal of his previous lawsuit and the lack of evidence proving Disney’s access to “Bucky.” However, the substantial similarities he alleges, if proven compelling, could influence the court.

The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the animation industry. A ruling in Woodall’s favor might embolden other creators to pursue similar claims, potentially shifting the landscape of intellectual property law in entertainment. A Disney victory, however, could reinforce studios’ defenses against copyright allegations. For now, the legal battle continues, leaving the future of this high-stakes dispute uncertain. The court’s decision will likely hinge on nuanced legal interpretations of copyright law and careful evaluation of the evidence presented by both sides.

Who is Buck Woodall?

Beyond his legal battles with Disney, Buck Woodall’s professional background remains somewhat obscure. Information about his other work and experience in the animation industry is currently limited. This lack of public information contributes to the David-versus-Goliath narrative surrounding the lawsuit.

Expert Legal Analysis (Hypothetical)

While obtaining expert commentary at this stage may be challenging, hypothetically, a legal expert specializing in entertainment law might offer the following perspective: “Proving idea theft is notoriously difficult. While the similarities Woodall points to are interesting, the court will need to see compelling evidence that Disney had access to his screenplay and consciously copied his work. The dismissal of the prior Moana lawsuit could also be a factor in the court’s decision.” This hypothetical analysis emphasizes the complexities and uncertainties involved in this type of litigation.

Ongoing Coverage and Updates

As this case progresses, further information and updates will be provided. This ongoing coverage will include analysis of key legal arguments, expert commentary (if available), and reporting on any significant developments or rulings by the court. This commitment to continuous reporting ensures readers stay informed about this evolving legal battle.