Animator Sue Disney For $10 Billion Over MOANA Franchise

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.