Disney’s Moana 2 Faces $10 Billion Copyright Lawsuit Amidst Key Awards Season Push

Walt Disney Animation Studios is facing a significant legal challenge, as the recently released sequel, Moana 2, has become the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit. The complaint, filed just as the film enters a critical phase of the 2024-2025 awards season, alleges that the movie infringes upon the copyrighted screenplay for a film titled “Bucky,” created by animator Buck Woodall.

Allegations of Infringement

According to the lawsuit, Woodall claims that the screenplay for “Bucky,” along with a concept trailer and other developmental materials, was submitted in 2003. These materials were reportedly provided to Jenny Marchick, who at the time served as the Director of Development for Mandeville Films. Mandeville Films held a “first look” deal with Disney, a common industry arrangement granting the studio priority consideration for potential projects developed by the production company.

The core of Woodall’s complaint rests on alleged substantial similarities between his “Bucky” screenplay and elements present in both the original Moana and its sequel, Moana 2. The lawsuit lists several specific parallels, including:

* The setting in an ancient Polynesian village.
* A narrative centered on a teenager undertaking an ocean adventure.
* The manifestation of ancestor spirits in the form of animals that guide the protagonist.
* The initiation of the adventure sparked by an encounter involving a turtle.
* The pivotal role of a symbolic necklace.
* A key supporting character being a hook-wielding demigod adorned with tattoos.
* The presence of a large, hidden creature residing within a mountain.
* A sequence where the protagonist’s crew is drawn into a whirlpool acting as a portal.

Woodall is reportedly seeking substantial damages, specifically requesting $10 billion or, alternatively, 2.5% of the total gross revenue generated by Moana. While the original film was a global success, Moana 2 has already achieved significant box office numbers, grossing $964 million worldwide as of the latest reports. The potential financial impact of the lawsuit, particularly the claim tied to gross revenue, highlights the high stakes involved.

Awards Season Context

The timing of the lawsuit adds another layer of complexity for Disney. Moana 2 is currently positioned as a contender in the ongoing 2024-2025 awards circuit. The film has already secured a nomination for a Golden Globe Award in the competitive Best Animated Feature category. Furthermore, one of its songs, “Beyond,” has been shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination, signaling potential recognition from the industry’s most prestigious body.

The official nominations for the Academy Awards, which were initially anticipated earlier, have been delayed due to factors including ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. The nominations are now scheduled to be announced on January 19, making the current period crucial for films seeking to build momentum and visibility.

Copyright disputes are not uncommon in Hollywood, given the collaborative and often iterative nature of creative development. However, a lawsuit of this magnitude, coinciding with a film’s awards season campaign and ongoing box office run, presents a notable challenge for Disney.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Disney has not yet publicly issued a detailed response to the lawsuit. The case is expected to navigate complex issues of access, substantial similarity, and the extent to which creative concepts can overlap without constituting infringement. The outcome could have implications not only for the financial performance of Moana 2 but also potentially influence creative development processes within the studio.