Disney Faces $10 Billion Lawsuit: Animator Claims Moana Was a Copy
Disney, the entertainment giant known for its iconic films, finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over one of its most successful franchises, Moana. Animator Buck Woodall has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the studio copied ideas from his screenplay, Bucky, for both Moana and its recently released sequel. The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, claims that Disney borrowed key elements from Mr. Woodall's work, which he shared with Jenny Marchick, a former director of development at Mandeville Films.
According to the lawsuit, Bucky centers around teenagers from an ancient Polynesian village embarking on adventures to save their homes—strikingly similar to the themes of Moana. Mr. Woodall alleges that Disney used his concepts, which included specific elements such as a perilous whirlpool-like oceanic portal. These elements, the complaint argues, were unique to his project and could not have been independently conceived by Disney.
The legal challenge isn't new for Disney. Mr. Woodall had previously filed a lawsuit regarding the original Moana film, released in 2016, but the case was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. However, the release of Moana 2 in 2024 allowed Mr. Woodall to revisit his claims. He is seeking 2.5% of the gross revenue from the Moana franchise, which includes the sequel’s box office earnings of $964 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Disney, on its part, has denied any connection between its Moana films and Mr. Woodall's Bucky project. During the previous lawsuit, Moana director Ron Clements declared that neither he nor anyone on the creative team had ever seen or been influenced by Mr. Woodall’s materials. Disney has yet to issue an official comment on the new lawsuit.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by major studios in a highly competitive entertainment industry, where allegations of intellectual property theft are not uncommon. Mr. Woodall's complaint paints a picture of years of effort and creativity allegedly being used without credit or compensation. He emphasizes that Bucky was a culmination of over 17 years of work, which he had shared with industry professionals, only to see its themes and concepts replicated in Moana.
While Moana and Moana 2 have enjoyed immense commercial success and critical acclaim, the lawsuit could cast a shadow over their legacy. The sequel has been praised for its engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and memorable music, making it a top contender in the upcoming awards season. However, the legal dispute brings up questions about the origin of its creativity and the responsibilities of major studios in respecting intellectual property.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting creative work in the entertainment industry. Whether Mr. Woodall’s claims hold merit will ultimately be decided in court, but for now, Disney faces scrutiny as it navigates this high-stakes legal battle.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com