Moana 2
Warning : This article carry minor spoilers for Moana 2 !
Shortly before the 2025 Oscars , Disney has been hit with a copyright infringement suit overMoana 2 , kick upstairs inquiry about the dealership that grossed $ 1.6 billion at the box office . After a successful run in theaters , Moana 2has quickly become one of themost successful animated Disney film of all time . The movie was shortlist for numerous awards throughout the 2025 time of year , but Disney could now be in red-hot H2O forMoana 2because a screenwriter named Buck Woodall file a 2025 right of first publication misdemeanor cause that could cost them a pretty penny if it ’s successful .
TheMoana 2copyright lawsuitis found on the assertion that former Mandeville Films director of development Jenny Marchick receive the screenplay , trailer , character designs , product plans , and storyboards for the movieBucky , save by Buck Woodwall , which she purportedly pass along to Disney , per Mandeville Films ’ first - look understanding . The sound documents exact Disney used these material to createMoanaandMoana 2 , which allegedly rape Woodwall ’s right of first publication . The 2025 cause , which includes elaborated claims about the similarities and the desired outcome , could have negative impact for Disney if it moves forward .
Moana’s Alleged Similarities To Buck Woodall’s Bucky Explained
The Moana 2 Lawsuit Claims More Than Two Dozen Similarities
The lawsuitWoodall v. Disney , which is usable throughScribd , allege that theMoanafranchise infringed upon Buck Woodall ’s right of first publication for theBuckypre - output fabric . They exact thatMoanaandMoana 2contain these similarities toBucky :
for gain ground the case , Buck Woodall ’s effectual squad will necessitate to prove that he owned a right of first publication forBuckyand that Disney wilfully infringed upon the copyright for fiscal or commercial-grade profit . test Woodall own the copyright will be comparatively straightforward , but the infringement will be more difficult .
In a copyright typesetter’s case , the parallels ca n’t be informal or coincidental ; they have to reach the level of “ substantial law of similarity . ” Although some trial survive to help define this verge , many of them total down to immanent judgment . Disney will also in all likelihood argue the scènes à faire doctrine , a ruler that says material ca n’t be protected if the genre or adjust necessitates it . The Polynesian mythology used also ca n’t be copyrighted , complicating matters further .
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
What Woodall Is Requesting In The Moana 2 Lawsuit
Woodall Wants Money And Injunctions Against Disney And All Named Defendants
TheMoana 2lawsuit will be a hefty price for Disney if Woodall wins and the evaluator gives him everything he ’s bespeak . According to the court papers , Woodall is asking for a declaration of infringement , pecuniary recompense , and injunctions against Disney and all other call defendant . The most canonic thing they ’re involve for is a sound resolve that Disney run afoul upon Buck Woodall ’s right of first publication .
Moana introduced some god and demigods inspire by Polynesian mythology and history , and now Moana 2 introduces even more of these deities .
consort to the lawsuit document , Woodall is asking for a lower limit of either $ 5 billion or 2.5 % of the unadulterated revenues , whichever is higher , in compensatory damages , with a minimum of $ 10 billion for entire damages . This figure is swan in the claim as the amount that the defendants have garnered in net income based on the enfranchisement , which is curious found on the amountMoanaandMoana 2grossed at the box office .
The last asking is that Disney and all identify defendants receive two prompt , temporary , or permanent injunction . First , they would have an injunction preventing them from reproducing , distributing , or make other material based on movies that infringe upon the copyright . Second , they would have an cease and desist order against continue to gap the copyright .
Why Wasn’t Disney Sued For The Original Moana?
Disney Faced A Lawsuit For Moana But It Was Thrown Out
consider most of Woodall ’s claims pertain to the originalMoanamovie , the motion naturally arises as to why he did n’t sue Disney for the first one . It change by reversal out Woodall tried to litigate Disney in the caseBuck G Woodall v. The Walt Disney Company , and the discovery for the shell is available atCourt Listenerfor those who wish to read the 222 - page written document . However , the case was ultimately turn down because it was filed too late after the picture ’s release . That does n’t intend the previous compositor’s case is worthless , though .
Explore 12 Easter eggs , callbacks , and references available in Moana 2 , from Peter Pan hats to Maui ’s half - shark transformation .
According to the 2025 lawsuit , Jenny Marchick admitted under swearing that she did indeed give the presentment parcel ( the term for all the material listed previously ) to a person who worked at “ Disney Animation TV . ” This will serve as a foundational component in the raw subject because Woodall ’s legal mental representation has to prove that the company had access to the copyrighted materials so that they could knowingly breach the copyright .
Has Disney Responded To The Lawsuit?
Disney Hasn’t Provided An Official Statement About The 2025 Lawsuit
What Does The Moana 2 Lawsuit Mean For Disney?
A Temporary Injunction Could Stall Future Moana Projects
The impact of theMoana 2lawsuit will vary greatly on how the character pass on . Based on old cause against Disney , like the Pirates of the Caribbean copyright lawsuit , there ’s a strong chance they ’ll settle out of court if there ’s a solid enough claim . There ’s also a possibleness that a judge could hurl out the case , rather than mail it to a jury tryout , if there is n’t a strong enough claim of copyright violation . Depending on how it run , it could take old age before there ’s a proper resoluteness to the cause .
The most likely outcome , though , is that Disney comes out unscathed , proceeding with theMoanafranchise as plan .
If the judge issues a irregular injunction against Disney , their plan for furtherMoanamovies – including the2026 alive - actionMoanamovie , the Maui TV show , and a potentialMoana 3 – could be halted . The2025 Oscarsmight also stave off nominating Moana 2 to forefend a future scandal . Should his lawsuit succeed , Woodall could potentially be brought on for next plastic film or leave some kind of credit . The most probable outcome , though , is that Disney comes out unharmed , go on with theMoanafranchise as planned .
Sources : Scribd , Court Listener , andThe Hollywood newsperson
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