Disney Faces Ten Billion Dollar Lawsuit Over Claims They Stole Moana from Copyrighted Script: But Are They Likely to Lose?

Film animator Buck Woodall has initiated a high-value lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the “Moana” series, including the recent “Moana 2” released in November 2024, was developed from his screenplay “Bucky the Wave Warrior” without his permission. Woodall asserts that Jenny Marchick, a former Mandeville Films development director, clandestinely shared his confidential materials with Disney, resulting in the production of these films. He highlights several striking resemblances between his work and the “Moana” movies, including Polynesian motifs, animal companions, and specific narrative elements.