Animator Buck Woodall alleges that Disney's 'Moana' and its sequel infringed on his screenplay 'Bucky,' filed a lawsuit highlighting similarities in plot, themes, and character designs.
Animator Buck Woodall has filed a lawsuit against Disney , alleging that the entertainment conglomerate plagiarized his screenplay, ' Bucky ,' for the creation of ' Moana ' and its sequel. The Hollywood Reporter, which obtained a copy of the lawsuit, states that Woodall asserts Disney appropriated plot elements, thematic concepts, and artistic designs from his work. This isn't Woodall's first legal encounter with Disney . A similar case was dismissed in November due to the statute of limitations.
However, the release of 'Moana 2' has provided Woodall with an opportunity to reassert his claims, presenting new grounds for copyright infringement. In a lawsuit filed in a California federal court on Friday, Woodall maintains that Disney utilized materials he shared in 2003 with Mandeville Films, a production company that had a first-look deal with Disney at the time. Woodall alleges he provided Mandeville with a screenplay, storyboards, and character designs for 'Bucky,' a narrative set in an ancient Polynesian village. Woodall contends that both films share significant parallels, including themes of Polynesian spirituality, a protagonist embarking on a perilous journey, and encounters with demigods adorned with hooks and tattoos. He further points to similarities in 'Moana 2,' such as the protagonist's quest for an ancient island and her mission to break a curse. Disney has not issued a statement regarding the lawsuit, and it remains unclear whether any individuals at Disney directly reviewed Woodall’s materials prior to developing 'Moana.' While Woodall asserts that the similarities are too pronounced to be coincidental, Disney has previously maintained that 'Moana' was independently conceived. This lawsuit underscores ongoing debates within Hollywood concerning intellectual property rights and creative authorship. As Disney faces renewed legal scrutiny, the outcome of this case could have substantial ramifications for how studios handle submissions and develop films inspired by cultural traditions
Disney Copyright Infringement Moana Bucky Hollywood Lawsuits
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