Storm Brewing for Moana 2: Animation Lawsuit Ahead

Buck Woodall, an animator, has stirred up trouble for Disney's "Moana 2. " He's filed a lawsuit claiming that Disney copied elements from his 2003 animated script, "Bucky, " to create the Moana movies. Woodall is seeking a massive $10 billion or 2. 5% of Moana's gross revenue. He initially tried to sue when the first Moana film was released in 2016, but it was too late. The sequel's release has now given him a new chance. "Bucky" follows a headstrong teenager in a Polynesian village on a journey to break a curse, meeting spirit animals along the way, and encountering a magical demigod with a hook. These plot points and others closely resemble Moana's story. Both films start with scenes featuring turtles or characters going down an ocean portal. Woodall presented "Bucky" to a Mandeville Films director who had a deal with Disney in 2003. Disney has submitted materials to prove the originality of Moana. Ron Clements, the Moana director, stated in court that Moana was not inspired by or based on Woodall's "Bucky. " This lawsuit comes at a tense time, with Oscar nominations announced on January 19. It could potentially cost Moana 2 nominations in the Best Animated Feature or Best Original Song categories.