Despite its box office success, Moana 2 is facing a legal battle over claims of stolen intellectual property. Animator Buck Woodall alleges that Disney's sequel infringes upon his project, Bucky, seeking $10 million in damages. The lawsuit raises questions about the creative process and the protection of original ideas in Hollywood.
Moana 2 has been a tremendous success for the Walt Disney Company since its release in November 2024. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film continues to captivate audiences and sets the stage for more adventures with everyone's beloved way-finder. However, the film's success has been overshadowed by a lawsuit that has raised questions about intellectual property rights.
Buck Woodall, an animator and writer, filed the lawsuit, alleging that Disney stole his project, Bucky, and is seeking a $10 million settlement. Woodall claims that Moana 2 shares several similarities with Bucky, including its focus on Polynesian culture, teenage protagonists who defy their parents to embark on ocean adventures, and confrontations with gods. He further asserts that he initially pitched Bucky long before the release of the first Moana film.Woodall's claims extend beyond Moana 2. He attempted to sue Disney over the original Moana in 2024 but was unsuccessful due to a late filing. With the release of the sequel, he was able to revive his claim. Woodall alleges that he sent a screenplay and trailer for Bucky to Mandeville Films' director of development, Jenny Marchick, in 2003. At the time, Mandeville had a first-look deal with Disney, and Woodall claims Marchick promised to get the film greenlit. Disney disputed these allegations, stating that no one involved in Moana's production had seen the materials from Bucky.The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, but it has shed light on complex issues surrounding intellectual property and the creative process. Woodall's claims are significant, given the immense success of the Moana franchise. While Disney remains largely silent on the matter, others have voiced their opinions. The case will likely proceed to trial, providing further insights into the alleged similarities between Bucky and Moana
Moana Moana 2 Disney Lawsuit Intellectual Property Bucky Hollywood Animation
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