Animator Sue Disney For $10 Billion Over MOANA Franchise

Animator Sue Disney For $10 Billion Over MOANA Franchise
Moana

Animator Buck Woodall has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company, alleging that the studio’s MOANA franchise infringes upon his original screenplay, “Bucky the Wave Warrior.” Woodall claims that Disney’s MOANA (2016) and its sequel, MOANA 2 (2024), incorporate substantial elements from his work without permission. 


In the lawsuit, Woodall asserts that he shared his screenplay and related materials with Jenny Marchick, then director of development at Mandeville Films, in 2003. Mandeville Films had a first-look deal with Disney at the time. Woodall alleges that Marchick requested additional content, including character designs and storyboards, which he provided, and that these materials were subsequently used in the development of the MOANA films. 


Woodall points to specific similarities between his screenplay and the MOANA films, such as a Polynesian setting, a voyage across the ocean, ancient spirits manifested as animals, a symbolic necklace, and a demigod character. He is seeking damages of at least $10 billion and 2.5% of the revenue from MOANA 2 and its merchandise, totaling an estimated $5 billion. 


This is not Woodall’s first legal action regarding the MOANA franchise. A previous lawsuit concerning the original 2016 film was dismissed due to late filing. With the release of MOANA 2, Woodall has renewed his claims, seeking a jury trial for the new allegations. 


As of now, Disney has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the entertainment industry, particularly concerning the protection of original content and the processes by which studios develop new projects.

Comments

More From 3Music News

Kim Kardashian Breaks Down as She Reveals Kanye West Once Called Her Paris Robbery a “Hoax”

Kim Kardashian Breaks Down as She Reveals Kanye West Once Called Her Paris Robbery a “Hoax”

Kim Kardashian is opening up about one of the most painful moments in her past and the unexpected betrayal that made it even harder to relive.

OliveTheBoy Brings the Heat with The Olive Experience Students Music Festival

OliveTheBoy Brings the Heat with The Olive Experience Students Music Festival

OliveTheBoy is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration for students and young creatives across Ghana with the launch of The Olive Experience Students Music Festival.

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Black Sherif Tops Ghana’s Most Streamed Artistes

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Black Sherif Tops Ghana’s Most Streamed Artistes

Spotify Wrapped 2025 has unveiled Ghana’s top 5 most streamed artistes and leading the pack is Black Sherif, who claims the number one spot after a remarkable year of musical dominance.

Keche Opens Up On Why New Album Has Been Stalled

Keche Opens Up On Why New Album Has Been Stalled

Ghanaian music duo Keche, made up of Andrew and Joshua, joined the Culture Squad on Culture Daily for an honest conversation about their journey, the state of the industry and why fans have waited so long for a second album.

Kaly Jay Reflects on His Influence and Previews Kaly’s House Live

Kaly Jay Reflects on His Influence and Previews Kaly’s House Live

Digital influencer and social voice Kaly Jay made a vibrant appearance on The Culture Daily morning show, where he opened up about his rise, his impact and what fans should look forward to next.

Black Sherif Makes History on Apple Music Ghana Charts

Black Sherif Makes History on Apple Music Ghana Charts

Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif has made history as the first Ghanaian artiste to dominate the top 12 spots on the Apple Music Ghana Top Songs chart for 2025.

Burna Boy Steps In to Support Families After Tragic Stockton Shooting

Burna Boy Steps In to Support Families After Tragic Stockton Shooting

Burna Boy is stepping away from the noise of online controversies to make a meaningful impact where it counts most.

Perez Event 360 Blends Faith and Youth Culture

Perez Event 360 Blends Faith and Youth Culture

Perez Event 360 is set for Worship Praise Unplugged on December 5th at the Perez Dome, Dzorwulu, bringing together a dynamic mix of faith and youthful energy. The show will feature top gospel icons. The team joined Culture Daily’s Morning Bits to highlight how the event aims to bridge generations through powerful worship and praise.

King Promise Hints at Massive Surprises for Promiseland 2025

King Promise Hints at Massive Surprises for Promiseland 2025

King Promise has promised crazy surprises at Promiseland 2025. Speaking on Culture Daily, he reflected on his music journey, his collaborations with Mr Eazi and Davido, and his commitment to staying true to his sound.

Jacinta Opens Up On Curating Comedy For Every Demographic

Jacinta Opens Up On Curating Comedy For Every Demographic

Award-winning comedienne Jacinta is closing out the year in grand style as she prepares to host her highly anticipated December comedy special, JACINTA THE 4RUNNER.

Saico and Tainan Join Forces on New Single PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS

Saico and Tainan Join Forces on New Single PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS

Ghanaian artistes Saico and Tainan have teamed up for a brand-new collaboration titled PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS, a record that brings together their distinct styles and perspectives in a fresh musical offering

Rebirth Creative Studio and Digital Plugin to Host 72-Hour Non-Stop Livestream, KALY’S HOUSE in December

Rebirth Creative Studio and Digital Plugin to Host 72-Hour Non-Stop Livestream, KALY’S HOUSE in December

Rebirth Creative Studio, in partnership with Digital Plugin, has announced KALY’S HOUSE, a groundbreaking 72-hour continuous livestream featuring Ghanaian digital influencer KalyJay

More Similar Videos