In a dramatic twist for the entertainment industry, The Walt Disney Company has been hit with a $10 billion lawsuit. Animator Buck Woodall alleges that Disney’s blockbuster films, “Moana” and its sequel, “Moana 2,” infringe upon his original script, “Bucky the Wave Warrior.”

Did Disney Borrow Too Much?

According to Woodall, his script—rooted in his deep engagement with Polynesian culture—bears remarkable similarities to Disney’s films. These include narrative parallels, such as a young hero’s oceanic journey to rescue an endangered island. Both stories revolve around a young protagonist embarking on a perilous sea voyage to save an endangered island. Key elements, such as guidance from animal-embodied spirits, a symbolic necklace, and a demigod with tattoos and a giant hook, form the crux of both narratives.

Woodall claims he presented his project materials—including an animated trailer, storyboards, and a full script—to Jenny Marchick of Mandeville Films between 2003 and 2008. Notably, Mandeville Films has collaborated with Disney on various projects. Despite Marchick’s assertion that the project didn’t advance, Woodall believes Disney gained access to his work by 2011.

A Second Chance to Sue

Although Woodall’s earlier lawsuit against the original “Moana” was dismissed due to late filing, he argues that the release of “Moana 2” in November 2024 provides fresh grounds for his renewed claims. The animator is demanding a jury trial and a share of the sequel’s gross revenue, along with damages related to merchandise sales.

Disney’s Quiet Response

Disney has not yet addressed these allegations publicly, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the company’s next move. The company’s “Moana” franchise has been immensely successful, with “Moana 2” setting a record for the biggest Thanksgiving weekend debut, grossing $221 million domestically in its first five days.

What This Means for Hollywood

This high-profile lawsuit raises important questions about intellectual property rights and the fine line between inspiration and infringement. If Woodall’s claims are validated, the case could have far-reaching consequences for how major studios handle external submissions.

Moana and Moana 2: A Closer Look

Disney’s “Moana,” released in 2016, became an instant classic. The film follows Moana, a fearless Polynesian girl, on her journey to save her island by restoring the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess whose loss plunges the world into chaos. The movie was celebrated for its stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and rich representation of Polynesian culture, earning over $645 million worldwide and becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Its sequel, “Moana 2,” debuted in November 2024 and continued Moana’s story, exploring themes of leadership and environmental stewardship. With a record-breaking opening weekend gross of $221 million domestically, it solidified the franchise’s status as a box office juggernaut. The sequel’s success further underscores why the current lawsuit is drawing so much attention.

What Will Happen Next?

As fans eagerly await Disney’s response, the entertainment giant’s reputation hangs in the balance. The outcome of this case will not only impact the “Moana” franchise but could also set a precedent for future creative disputes in Hollywood.

What are your thoughts on this legal battle? Do you think Disney crossed the line? Let us know in the comments below!

At the recent D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Animation unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for “Moana 2,” set to hit theaters on November 27, 2024. The event featured a lively presentation with stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, who shared insights and performances that captivated the audience.

Trailer and Performance Highlights

The trailer for “Moana 2” was met with enthusiasm, showcasing Moana and Maui embarking on an expansive new adventure. The film picks up three years after the original, as Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors, prompting her to journey into the far seas of Oceania alongside a new crew of seafarers. During the event, Cravalho performed a new song titled “We’re Back,” accompanied by dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia, enhancing the cultural richness of the presentation 1 3 4. Johnson described Moana’s character growth, emphasizing her development into a leader within her village and her ongoing quest for discovery beyond her familiar surroundings. He noted the film’s themes of empowerment and cultural representation, highlighting the significance of Polynesian culture in storytelling 3 4.

Voice Cast and Creative Team

The sequel reunites key voice talents, including Cravalho as Moana and Johnson as Maui. Additional returning cast members include Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Scherzinger. New characters will be voiced by Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, and more, expanding the narrative scope of the film 1 4. “Moana 2” is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with music by Grammy-winning artists Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and Mark Mancina. The film’s screenplay is penned by Jared Bush and Miller, ensuring a continuation of the beloved story’s spirit 1 4.

What’s Next?

As anticipation builds for “Moana 2,” fans can look forward to its theatrical release on November 27, 2024. The film promises to deliver a blend of adventure, music, and cultural exploration, continuing the legacy of the original that resonated with audiences worldwide. Sources:

1. Maui Now
2. ABC7 News
3. Fantasyland News
4. New York Post

Sources:

• (1) Disney Animation’s “Moana 2” unveils trailer at D23 fan event – Maui Now
• (2) D23 EXPO 2024 | Dwayne Johnson & Auli’i Cravalho Interviews – YouTube
• (3) ‘Moana 2’ trailer revealed at D23: Watch it here – ABC7 News
• (4) Moana 2 Official Trailer Drops During D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
• (5) D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
• (6) Disney’s D23 fan convention showcases ‘Moana 2,’ ‘Incredibles 3 …
• (7) Auli’i Cravalho and The Rock Perform A Song From Moana 2 At D23 Expo …
• (8) Disney shows fans ‘Moana 2’ footage, reveals ‘Toy Story 5’ and …

Disney fans were treated to an exhilarating surprise at the D23 Expo 2024 in Anaheim, California, as the highly anticipated trailer for ‘Moana 2’ made its grand debut. The sequel to the beloved 2016 animated film, ‘Moana 2’ promises to take audiences on a breathtaking journey across the vast oceans of Oceania.

The Trailer Showcases Moana’s New Adventure

The trailer, which has since gone viral, showcases the return of fan-favorite characters Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) and the charismatic demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). Moana, now a young leader in her village, receives a mysterious call from her wayfinding ancestors, prompting her to embark on a perilous adventure beyond the reef.

“There’s something in her instinct and in her gut,” Johnson shared in an interview with Good Morning America at D23. “There’s an inner voice that keeps telling her that there’s more out there. And it’s beyond the reef as she thought before but also, there’s more — especially when it comes to the culture and the islands — and you have a young lady who’s just not satisfied with what is currently happening and she does believe there’s more and she needs a little help from her demigod friend, Maui, and we go on a crazy, unbelievable adventure” [2].

New Music and Cast Additions

The trailer also features a brand-new song titled “We’re Back,” written by the talented duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. The film’s original composers, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, have returned to score the music and collaborate on the songs, along with the addition of Barlow and Bear [1][3].

“Moana 2” is set to hit theaters on November 27, 2024, and fans can expect to see familiar faces from the first film, including Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger as Moana’s parents, as well as new additions to the cast such as Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana’s sister and a talented crew of wayfinders voiced by Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Hualālai Chung [1][3].

The Dedication Behind the Sequel

The film is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Christina Chen and Yvett Merino serve as producers, bringing their expertise to the highly anticipated sequel [1][3].

“I can’t wait for fans to see the film, the technology, the effects, cutting edge. We all really went for it. We thought if we’re gonna make a sequel to something so beloved, let’s really go for it,” Johnson expressed, showcasing the dedication and passion poured into the making of “Moana 2” [2].

Conclusion

With its stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, and the return of beloved characters, “Moana 2” is poised to become one of the most talked-about films of 2024. Fans can mark their calendars and prepare for an unforgettable journey across the vast oceans of Oceania, where Moana and Maui will face challenges and discover new wonders beyond their wildest dreams.

Sources:

• Screen Rant
• Good Morning America
• Box Office Pro

Citations:
[1] https://screenrant.com/moana-2-official-trailer-disney/
[2] https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/moana-2-trailer-revealed-d23-watch-112679758
[3] https://www.boxofficepro.com/all-the-new-trailers-and-reveals-from-disneys-2024-fan-event-d23/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moana_2
[5] https://push.abs-cbn.com/2024/8/11/disney-d23-2024-major-announcements-from-moana-2-to-avatar-3-1906
[6] https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/new-moana-2-trailer-first-look-villain-i-have-theory
[7] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2486997/moana-2-trailer-unveiled-at-d23-expo-2024-introduces-a-new-character
[8] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622970/