Disney Hit with Controversial Moana Lawsuit
In the shadow of upcoming Oscar nominations, Disney faces a serious copyright battle. Animator Buck Woodall is taking on the media giant, alleging that they swiped his ideas for Moana and its sequel. The Hollywood Reporter brought this explosive claim to light.
Woodall’s lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, argues that Disney borrowed heavily from his screenplay titled "Bucky." According to him, both stories echo each other. Each features daring teenagers from ancient Polynesian villages who bravely disobey their elders. On their quests, they bond with animal spirits and defy danger.
A Legal Drama Unfolds
In November, the court ruled that a jury could evaluate whether the stories are substantially similar. However, Woodall’s initial case faced dismissal due to timing issues. The sequel, Moana 2, reignited his legal battle, and now that case moves forward. The court suggested someone at Disney Animation might have glimpsed Woodall’s copyrighted work before developing Moana.
Moana 2 smashed records, grossing $224.2 million on opening. It’s now sitting comfortably with over $700 million in global earnings. The first movie wasn’t far behind, raking in $687 million worldwide.
Echoes of a Polynesian Saga
Woodall argues that he shared his script and ideas with Jenny Marchick at Mandeville Films. At the time, they had a deal with Disney. In his lawsuit, Woodall outlines staggering similarities between his script and Moana:
- Both are set in ancient Polynesia.
- Teens embark on oceanic adventures with ancestral animal spirits.
- A turtle acts as a catalyst for the journey.
- A sacred necklace holds great significance.
- A character boasts a tattooed, hook-wielding demigod.
- A mountain conceals a colossal creature.
- The crew experiences a whirlpool portal.
Woodall is demanding a jaw-dropping $10 billion in damages. This figure equals 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue. He’s also seeking a court order to cease any future infringements.
Disney Stands Its Ground
Disney, on the defensive, has denied the accusations, asserting that Moana was an original development. Director Ron Clements claims he only heard about Bucky post-lawsuit. The media giant has also provided documents to back up their case.
Meanwhile, Woodall stands firm. His screenplay is registered with the Writers Guild of America, and safeguarded by the U.S. Copyright Office. The battle rages on in the courtrooms and the public eye.
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