Animator files Lawsuit Against Disney
Still from the Disney film “Moana 2”
By Giselle Arechiga, January 16th 2025
Animator Buck Woodall is suing Disney for alleged copyright infringement, claiming the hit movie franchise “Moana” and “Moana 2” stole a significant amount of parts from a script he wrote years ago.
Woodall filed the lawsuit January 10th stating Disney stole many similar elements of his animated film project “Bucky the Wave Warrior.” The animated feature, he claims, was inspired by his “unique exposure” towards Polynesian culture.
Woodall initially sued Disney last year in November of 2024 but the California court dismissed it stating his filing had come in too late. Due to the recent release of “Moana 2,” Woodall was able to sue the production all over again under the same terms.
According to the lawsuit, Woodall alleged similar elements between the “Moana” movies and his project contain a teenage protagonist, dangerous voyage across Polynesian waters, an endangered
island. As well as “ancient spirits manifested as animals which guide and guard the living,” a staple necklace and a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos.
There were also specific details that point out a rooster and pig companion, a Kakamora Warrior Tribe, and a whirlpool like portal that were all apparently stolen from Woodall screenplay.
The suit states that Woodall gave head of development at DreamWorks Animation, Jenny Marchick, a screen play and trailer for his animated project in 2003 and was asked for more materials. These materials included character designs, production plans, budget, and storyboards.
Woodall claims he delivered these materials and was told by Marchick that she would get the film green-lit.
Claiming he received copyright protection for “Bucky the Wave Warrior” in 2004 and the copyright update in 2014, he accused Marchick of using legal loopholes to pass on his materials to Disney.
Woodall is seeking an entitled “at least $10 billion” in damages and 2.5% of the gross revenue that was earned by Disney from “Moana 2” and all related merchandise like toys and clothing to be “at least $5 billion.”
Disney has not yet responded to the lawsuit but dismissed the earlier case made in 2024, stating that none of the creators involved in the making of “Moana” have seen Woodall’s said materials.
Director, Ron Clements, spoke out and claims that “Moana was not inspired by or based in any way on Woodall or his “Bucky” project.” Stating it was his first time hearing or seeing anything about the project after the lawsuit was filed.
