Disney is currently facing a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning its highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2. Released in 2024, the film continues the story of Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) as she embarks on a thrilling new maritime adventure, reuniting with her demigod ally Maui (portrayed by Dwayne Johnson). The original Moana was a global phenomenon, grossing $964 million worldwide and becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 2024 so far.
Details of the Lawsuit
Animator Buck Woodall has filed a lawsuit against Disney, seeking $10 billion, representing 2.5% of Moana‘s total earnings. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Woodall alleges that Moana infringes on his copyrighted screenplay Bucky, which he submitted in 2003. He claims to have provided Disney with a concept trailer and related materials via Jenny Marchick, then Director of Development at Mandeville Films, which had a first-look agreement with Disney at the time.
This lawsuit adds to Disney’s history of legal disputes over copyright infringement. In a similar case, the company was accused of unlawfully using MOVA Contour motion-capture technology to animate the Beast in the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast. Although Disney was initially fined $600,000, the penalty was later overturned, as the misuse was attributed to a contractor.
Disney also faced legal challenges in 2017 from Arthur Lee Alfred II and Ezequiel Martinez Jr., who alleged that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise infringed upon their 2000 screenplay.
Awards Season Buzz and Challenges
Moana 2 has emerged as a contender for awards season, particularly in the Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories. While it secured a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature, the award ultimately went to Flow. The film’s song “Beyond” is also on the shortlist for an Academy Award nomination, with official announcements set for January 19, after being delayed due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Despite its eligibility in multiple categories, Moana 2 has yet to gain significant recognition, missing nominations from the Critics’ Choice Awards and SAG Awards. This lack of accolades could foreshadow a challenging road to Oscar success, further complicated by the recent lawsuit.
What Lies Ahead
The lawsuit and lack of awards recognition could cast a shadow over Moana 2. Still, fans remain eager for the continuation of Moana’s journey, and the film’s box office potential may remain unaffected. With legal proceedings underway, the fate of the lawsuit—and its impact on Disney—remains to be seen.
