Disney is facing a new legal controversy after being sued by animator Buck Woodall, who claims that the Moana franchise was based on his project, called Bucky, without his consent. The Bucky project included a complete script, character illustrations, storyboards, detailed budgets, and a conceptual animated trailer.
The lawsuit, recently filed, alleges that the former development director of Mandeville Films, Jenny Marchick, inappropriately shared confidential materials with Disney that Woodall had provided her between 2003 and 2008. These materials, copyrighted since 2004 and renewed in 2014, are said to have directly inspired the two Moana movies.
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The plot of both productions presents numerous similarities with Woodall’s work, according to their complaint. In “Moana”, the story focuses on a young Polynesian woman who sails across the ocean to save her island, facing supernatural challenges and relying on spiritual guides in the form of animals.
Woodall claims that these narrative elements, as well as details like star navigation, a necklace with special meaning, and a lava goddess, are present in his original work. Additionally, he argues that the recent sequel, “Moana 2,” also borrows concepts from Bucky such as animal companions, a whirlpool leading to an oceanic portal, and a warrior tribe similar to the Kakamora.
Although in 2023 a court dismissed a previous lawsuit for being considered out of time, Woodall is now focusing his case on the sequel to “Moana”, released in November 2024. This film, which grossed $964 million at the box office and is a favorite for animation awards in 2024-2025, has been accused of continuing to exploit elements of his work without permission.
The success of “Moana” could cost Disney dearly
Woodall is demanding as compensation 2.5% of the gross revenues from “Moana” and its sequel, amounting to 10 billion dollars. He also seeks a court order confirming his copyright and prohibiting future unauthorized uses of his work.
Disney, on the other hand, has denied the accusations and assures that “Moana” is an original work developed by its creative team. However, the case puts the protection of intellectual property and the rights of creators against large entertainment studios at the center of the debate. This lawsuit could set an important precedent for the industry.