A filmmaker has launched a $10 billion lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, claiming that the blockbuster movies Moana and Moana 2 plagiarized key elements of his original script.
The Allegations: Copying Without Consent
Buck Woodall, the plaintiff, filed the lawsuit in California federal court. He alleges that Disney’s Moana films exhibit “striking similarities” to his screenplay, Bucky the Wave Warrior (Bucky), an animated story inspired by his personal connection to Polynesian culture.
According to Woodall, the alleged similarities include:
- A teenage hero embarking on a daring journey across Polynesian seas to save an endangered island.
- Mythical spirits appearing as animals to guide and protect humans.
- A significant necklace central to the story.
- A demigod figure wielding a large hook and covered in tattoos.
Demanding Billions in Compensation
Woodall is seeking at least $10 billion in damages. He is also requesting 2.5% of the gross revenue from Moana 2 and its merchandise sales, which he estimates to total over $5 billion.
The Success of the Moana Franchise
The Moana franchise has been a major success for Disney. The first movie was a global phenomenon, while Moana 2 recently set a record for the biggest Thanksgiving weekend box office debut, earning $221 million in its first five days.
Details of the Legal Battle
Woodall claims that he first shared his concept for Bucky with Jenny Marchick, a former executive at Mandeville Films, in 2003. At the time, Mandeville had a partnership with Disney. Over the years, Marchick allegedly requested additional materials from Woodall, including a trailer, storyboards, and a full script, which he provided.
Before the release of Moana in 2016, Marchick reportedly told Woodall that she wasn’t sure if his materials had been passed along. However, Woodall asserts that his work was already in Disney’s possession by 2011 when he submitted the final draft of his script.
Copyright Registration and Previous Legal Attempts
Woodall states that his work was registered with the Writers Guild of America in 2004 and updated in 2014, granting it federal copyright protection. This lawsuit follows a previous legal attempt by Woodall, where a judge dismissed his claims regarding the first Moana film due to late filing.
Now, Woodall is refocusing his case on Moana 2, which was released just two months ago. He believes this timing strengthens his case for copyright infringement.
Implications for Disney
This lawsuit comes at a challenging time for Disney. The company is reportedly campaigning for Moana 2 to receive a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for Disney and the entertainment industry.(*)
Source: nypost.com
