Disney's Moana 2 Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Similarities

In the lead-up to the Academy Awards, Disney is in hot water. Animator Buck Woodall has sued Disney, claiming that Moana and its sequel were copied from his screenplay "Bucky. " Both stories revolve around teenagers defying their parents to embark on dangerous voyages, encountering animal spirits along the way. The lawsuit follows a court ruling that Disney might have seen Woodall's materials before developing Moana. Woodall seeks damages and wants to stop further infringement. Moana 2, a potential Oscar nominee, has already made a massive $224. 2 million at the box office. The sequel and the original share several similarities, including spiritual ancestors manifested as animals, a turtle starting the journey, and a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos. Woodall argues that Disney used his ideas after 17 years of work on "Bucky. " The court case involves a first look deal between Mandeville Films and Disney. Woodall alleges that Disney had access to his materials. Disney, however, denies this, stating that Moana was created independently. The screenplay for "Bucky" is registered with the Writers Guild and the U. S. Copyright Office.