'Moana 2' lawsuit accuses Disney of ripping off copyrighted screenplay
Share and Follow


There’s troubled waters ahead for Moana 2. More so than sea monsters and killer coconuts: a lawsuit right in the midst of award season.

On Friday, animator Buck Woodall sought legal action against Disney, accusing the company of copying components of an animated film he wrote, “Bucky” and using them to create the Moana movies.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Woodall is suing for $10 billion, or 2.5% of Moana‘s gross revenue. The plaintiff attempted to sue Disney when the original Moana came out in 2016, but was deemed too late. The release of the sequel opened up another opportunity for legal action.

The screenplay for “Bucky,” which was copyrighted in 2003, takes place in a Polynesian village, tells the story of a headstrong teenager on a journey to break a curse, meeting spirit animals along the way, and also comes across a magical demigod with a signature hook. Many more plot point similarities also exist between Woodall’s screenplay and Moana, like both beginning with scenes featuring turtles or characters going down a whirlpool ocean portal.

In 2003, Woodall presented materials for “Bucky” to a Mandeville Films director of development who at the time had a first look deal with Disney. Disney has put forth materials to prove the originality of the Moana movies.

In a declaration of the court, Moana director Ron Clements said, “Moana was not inspired by or based in any way on [Woodall] or his ‘Bucky’ project, which I learned of for the first time after this lawsuit was filed.”

Whatever the outcome of the lawsuit is, it’s a horrible time to be sued with Oscar nominations being announced on Sunday, January, 19. The drama may cost Moana 2 nominations in the Best Animated Feature or Best Original Song groups.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Is Tonight’s ‘SNL’ Episode New? Discover the 2025 ‘Saturday Night Live’ Schedule Here!

Recently, Saturday Night Live made its much-anticipated return with the well-loved Melissa…

Donnie Wahlberg Shares Emotional Reaction to Recasting of Onscreen Son in “Boston Blue

In the latest installment of Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg’s portrayal of Danny…

Melbourne’s Elite Socialites Clash: Intensifying Rift Captivates High Society Circles

For several months, Melbourne’s elite circles have been buzzing with rumors of…

Unveiling Fernando Mendoza: Insights into the Leading 2025 Heisman Trophy Contender

Indiana University’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, stands as the frontrunner for the 2025…

Unveiling 2025’s Most Shocking Pop Culture Shifts That Took the World by Storm

Ashley St. Clair Alleges She Shares a Child with Elon Musk On…

Discover Brad Pitt’s Timeless Haircut That Has Style Experts Buzzing!

Throughout his illustrious 30-year career, Brad Pitt has continuously reinvented his appearance,…

Amanda Seyfried Sparks Debate by Praising Socialism as ‘Gorgeous’ in Response to Charlie Kirk

Amanda Seyfried has once again stirred conversation with her political views, this…

Discover Your Next Movie Night Gem: ‘The Night Before’ – A Hidden Christmas Comedy Treasure Streaming Now on Peacock

The world of Christmas movies is a complex one, yet it’s undeniably…