Disney sued for $10 billion over copyright infringement in Moana 2

Animator Buck Woodall claims Moana 2 infringes on his Bucky screenplay, demanding a part of the movie’s earnings.

Disney is embroiled in a legal battle after animator Buck Woodall filed a $10 billion lawsuit, claiming that Moana 2 infringes on his 2003 screenplay for Bucky. Woodall argues that key elements from his screenplay, which he submitted to Mandeville Films (a company with a first-look deal with Disney), are mirrored in Moana 2. The lawsuit seeks 2.5% of the film's gross revenue as damages.

Woodall points to several striking similarities between the two works. These include:

• A Polynesian village setting

• A teenage girl embarking on an oceanic journey

• A hook-wielding demigod as a supporting character

• A turtle-driven adventure

• A symbolic necklace central to the plot

• A large creature hidden in a mountain

• A perilous whirlpool-like portal

Woodall claims that these elements could not have been developed independently, as they directly resemble his Bucky project.

This lawsuit is not Woodall's first attempt to challenge Disney. A previous lawsuit regarding the original Moana was dismissed in November 2024, as it was filed too late. However, Woodall has proceeded with his claims for Moana 2, arguing that the similarities are too significant to be coincidental.

In response, Moana co-director Ron Clements denied any influence from Woodall’s work, asserting that they were unaware of the Bucky project until after the lawsuit was filed.

Given the massive financial success of the Moana films, this lawsuit could have significant consequences for Disney. If Woodall wins, Disney may be forced to pay substantial damages, but the future of the Moana franchise could also be at stake. A settlement is also a possible outcome, with Woodall potentially joining the franchise as an executive producer.