In 2016, Disney released Moana, introducing its first Polynesian princess. The story follows Moana, who lives on the island of Motunui, which is slowly dying. In a bid to save her people and island, she defies her father and embarks on a journey across the sea to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui, who helps her in her mission.
From its debut, Moana was an instant hit. Audiences were drawn to its captivating story and unforgettable music, crafted by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Related: Fans Fear ‘Moana 2’ Could Change the Disney Princess Legacy
In 2023, seven years after its release, Moana became the most-streamed movie on Disney’s platform, Disney+.
Unfortunately, Disney’s excitement surrounding Moana 2 has been dampened by a massive lawsuit.
Animator Buck Woodall has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, claiming Disney stole major elements of his screenplay Bucky to create both Moana and its sequel. This lawsuit could cost Disney billions and tarnish the legacy of one of its most celebrated modern franchises.
Related: Why the Success of ‘Moana 2’ Could Be a Problem for Disney Animators
The Allegations Against Disney
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Buck Woodall alleges that his screenplay Bucky, originally submitted to Jenny Marchick in 2003, was used as the foundation for Disney’s Moana series.
Starting in 2003, Woodall says he provided the screenplay and a trailer for “Bucky” to former Mandeville Films director of development Jenny Marchick, now DreamWorks Animation’s head of development for features. She allegedly asked about providing further materials — including character designs, production plans and storyboards — by assuring him she could greenlight the film. At the time, Mandeville had a first look deal with Disney and had offices on its facilities in Burbank, according to the complaint.
In his legal filing, Woodall highlights multiple similarities between his script and the Moana films, including central themes, plot elements, and characters.
Both stories revolve around oceanic quests, the involvement of spiritual ancestors embodied in animals, and a key artifact—in Moana, a necklace that holds great significance.
The lawsuit points to similarities between Moana and “Bucky.” One example: both celebrate a recurring theme of the Polynesian belief in spiritual ancestors manifested as animals. Other similarities include the protagonist’s journey starting with a turtle, a plot involving a symbolic necklace, a main character who encounters a demigod adorned with a giant hook and tattoos and a giant creature that’s concealed within a mountain.
Also at issue are alleged overlaps between “Bucky” and Moana 2. Both works, for instance, feature the protagonist searching for an ancient island and undertaking a missions to break a curse. The lawsuit adds, “Moana and her crew are sucked into a perilous whirlpool-like oceanic portal, another dramatic and unique device-imagery found in Plaintiffs materials that could not possibly have been developed by chance or without malicious intentions.”
The animator is demanding $10 billion, a sum equivalent to 2.5% of the original Moana’s gross profits, alongside an injunction to block Disney from further using what he claims are his intellectual property and ideas.
A History of Legal Disputes
This isn’t Woodall’s first attempt to sue Disney. His earlier lawsuit, filed after Moana premiered in 2016, was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. But, with the release of Moana 2 in November 2024, Woodall is reviving his claims, arguing that the sequel further demonstrates the alleged plagiarism of his original screenplay.
Disney has yet to release an official statement on this latest legal action.
However, during the initial lawsuit, Moana co-director Ron Clements denied any knowledge of Bucky, stating, “We were unaware of the script until the lawsuit was filed.”
Disney also presented extensive documentation at the time, including research notes and development pitches, to support the originality of Moana’s storyline.
As the lawsuit unfolds, Disney faces increasing scrutiny, with fans watching closely to see how the company addresses these allegations. Will Disney defend its creative processes, or will the case reveal deeper issues within the entertainment giant?
What do you think? Is this a case of corporate overreach, or are the claims against Disney unfounded? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
