Disney files $10 billion copyright lawsuit over ‘Moana’ series
Disney is being sued by animator Buck Woodall, who claims the company copied his ideas from the animated film Moana and its sequels.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Buck Woodall has filed a lawsuit in California federal court alleging that Disney used elements of a screenplay he wrote for an animated film titled Bucky. The film reportedly shares a theme with Moana, with teenagers from an ancient Polynesian village going on an adventure to save their home. Woodall is seeking 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue, which equates to $10 billion.
Also read: Aamir Khan reveals the real reason for quitting smoking, does it have something to do with his son Junaid?
The complaint states that Woodall provided scripts and trailers for his films to Jenny Marchik, a former development director at Mandeville Films and now at DreamWorks Animation. The suit alleges that Moana was created using an idea that Woodall developed over 17 years. The work includes a particular scene involving a dangerous sea entrance, which Woodall claims to have taken from his own sources.
Also read: Siddharth Malhotra and Karan Johar create a show on ramp walk, actors had fun with filmmakers, watch video
A lawsuit filed by Woodall over the first Moana movie was dismissed last year, but the release of the sequel has made it possible for him to take legal action again.
Disney has not yet commented on the latest lawsuit. The company previously said that no one involved in the production of Moana had seen Woodall’s material. Director Ron Clements made it clear in court that Moana was not inspired by or based on Woodall’s Bucky project.
Moana 2, released last year, continues the story of Moana, voiced by Olly Cravalho, as she embarks on new adventures with Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film grossed $964 million, making it the fourth-highest grossing film of 2024 and considered a strong contender for next season’s awards.
For the latest entertainment news in Hindi Hollywood, visit Prabhasakshi
