Animator Buck Woodall has initiated a copyright lawsuit against Disney in federal court in California, claiming that the Moana franchise is based on his earlier screenplay without his consent.

The lawsuit, filed on January 10, 2025, alleges that Jenny Marchick, a former development director at Mandeville Films, illegally shared Woodall's confidential materials with Disney.

Woodall provided his materials for a project called 'Bucky' between 2003 and 2008, which he asserts is the foundation for both Moana and its sequel.

He claims that Disney incorporated elements from 'Bucky,' which features a Polynesian setting and teenagers embarking on perilous voyages.

The lawsuit highlights numerous similarities between 'Bucky' and the Moana films, such as the main character's journey, spiritual beliefs, and specific plot elements like a symbolic necklace and animal guides.

Key similarities include a Polynesian setting, a turtle that initiates the characters' journeys, beliefs in animal spirits, a tattooed demigod, and a giant creature disguised as an island.

In addition to the original film, Woodall cites elements from Moana 2, including animal companions, a curse-breaking mission, and unique plot devices that he alleges were borrowed from his work.

Woodall's previous attempt to sue for copyright infringement related to the original 2016 Moana film was dismissed in November 2024 due to a statute of limitations issue.

However, the release of Moana 2 in November 2024 allowed Woodall to file a new lawsuit, which focuses more on the sequel while also referencing similarities with the first film.

The court previously indicated that if the statute of limitations had not expired, a jury would determine whether the works were substantially similar.

Woodall is seeking damages amounting to 2.5 percent of Moana's gross revenue, which totals approximately $10 billion, along with a court order to affirm his copyright and prevent further infringement.

Disney has contested the claims, asserting that the works are not similar, despite the lawsuit's allegations.