Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Moana: Animator Claims Script Was Stolen
Animator Buck Woodall has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the studio’s films “Moana” and its sequel were derived from his 2003 screenplay, “Bucky the Wave Warrior.”
Woodall claims that Disney incorporated elements from his work without consent, including a Polynesian setting, a headstrong teenage protagonist, spirit animals, and a magical demigod with a signature hook.
The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, asserts that former Mandeville Films development director Jenny Marchick secretly provided Disney with Woodall’s confidential materials, which included the screenplay, character illustrations, and more. Woodall alleges that these materials were used to develop both “Moana” and its sequel.
This legal action follows a previous lawsuit filed by Woodall in 2016 concerning the original “Moana” film, which was dismissed due to timing issues.
The current lawsuit focuses on the sequel, “Moana 2,” released in November 2024. Woodall seeks 2.5% of “Moana’s” gross revenue, amounting to $10 billion, and aims to affirm his copyright and prevent further infringement.