Understanding the Moana 2 Lawsuit: Disney Faces Legal Action Over $1.6 Billion Franchise

Warning: This article includes minor spoilers for Moana 2!

As the 2025 Oscars draw near, Disney faces a significant challenge with a copyright infringement lawsuit regarding Moana 2. The film, which has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing an impressive $1.6 billion, was poised for numerous awards this season. However, the lawsuit initiated by screenwriter Buck Woodall could lead to serious financial repercussions for the company if found liable.

Allegations of Similarity Between Moana and Buck Woodall’s Project

Legal Claims Highlight Over Two Dozen Similarities

The lawsuit, titled Woodall v. Disney, accessible via Scribd, contends that both Moana and Moana 2 borrow significant elements from Woodall’s Bucky project, thereby infringing upon his copyright. Below are some alleged similarities cited in the suit:

A teenage protagonist defies parental expectations to explore the ocean and protect a Polynesian island.
Both narratives emphasize the Polynesian heritage’s inherent right to access the sea.
Involvement of ancestral spirits depicted as animals, guiding and protecting their descendants.
The setting features an ancient Polynesian village rooted in cultural traditions.
Similarities in opening sequences, including a flight to an island and imagery of the main character as an infant on a beach.
Key story elements involve a turtle initiation and powerful symbolic jewelry.
Wayfinding practices—traditional Polynesian navigation methods using celestial cues.
Encounters with a tattooed demigod character and representations of shapeshifting.
Both films feature dramatic oceanic events, including storms and whirlpools, leading to a climactic return home.
Animated visuals reflecting common thematic and stylistic elements.
Additional motifs involving mythological figures and sentient ocean depictions.

For Woodall’s case to succeed, his legal representation must establish both his ownership of the original work and Disney’s willful infringement for commercial benefit. While proving ownership may be straightforward, demonstrating substantial similarity in the context of copyright law presents a greater challenge.

It’s important to note that copyright claims rest on the concept of “substantial similarity,”which is often determined through subjective analysis. Disney’s defense may rely on the scènes à faire doctrine, arguing that certain elements are inherent to the genre and therefore not protected by copyright, further complicating the case.

Buck Woodall’s Demands in the Lawsuit

Financial Compensation and Legal Injunctions Requested

Moana and others look up at constellation Carina

If Woodall prevails, the lawsuit could impose a substantial financial burden on Disney. His legal documents seek a formal declaration of infringement along with monetary damages that range from a minimum of $5 billion or 2.5% of gross revenues—whichever is greater—and total damages amounting to at least $10 billion, reflecting the profits generated from the franchise thus far.

Additionally, Woodall is petitioning for two types of injunctions against Disney and its affiliates. The first would prohibit them from producing any content infringing upon his copyright, while the second aims to stop any ongoing violations.

Reasons Behind Lack of Action Against Original Moana

Previous Attempt at Litigation Dismissed

With many of Woodall’s claims linked to the initial Moana film, questions arise about his earlier legal attempts. Indeed, Woodall previously attempted to sue Disney in a case titled Buck G Woodall v. The Walt Disney Company. Despite this, the lawsuit was dismissed due to being filed after the applicable time limit following the film’s release. Nonetheless, this history may not be irrelevant in the ongoing suit.

Crucially, during the discovery phase, a statement by Disney executive Jenny Marchick suggested that materials were shared with Disney Animation TV staff. This may provide a critical foundation for Woodall’s claims, as he must demonstrate that Disney had access to his copyrighted content.

Official Response from Disney

Disney’s Silence on the 2025 Lawsuit

As of now, Disney has not issued any public statements regarding the 2025 lawsuit. However, it is anticipated that their stance may echo previous assertions made in earlier litigation. Director Ron Clements previously stated that Moana was developed independently of Woodall’s project, claiming he first learned about it only after the lawsuit was filed. Future communications from Disney concerning this lawsuit remain to be seen.

Implications of the Moana 2 Lawsuit for Disney

Potential Impact on Disney’s Future Projects

The implications of the Moana 2 lawsuit could significantly vary depending on how the case unfolds. Historically, Disney has opted for settlements out of court when pressed with strong copyright claims, as seen in past litigation such as the Pirates of the Caribbean case. Conversely, there is a possibility that a judge could dismiss the lawsuit outright, especially if claims of copyright infringement lack substantial grounding.

Should the court grant a temporary injunction, Disney’s forthcoming plans for the franchise—including a live-action rendition of Moana, a Maui television series, and the prospect of a Moana 3—could be severely delayed. Furthermore, given the stakes involved, Disney may decide to refrain from allowing Moana 2 nominations at the 2025 Oscars to avoid a potential scandal. If Woodall’s lawsuit is successful, he might even find a role in future projects or be credited in some capacity.

In summary, while the exact outcome remains uncertain, the potential for significant ramifications on Disney’s future business strategies is palpable. Ultimately, the most likely scenario remains that Disney will navigate this challenge and continue to evolve the Moana franchise.

Sources: Scribd, Court Listener, and The Hollywood Reporter

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