HI Now Daily
Contests
Join Our Team
Advertise with Us

Animator files $10B lawsuit against Disney, claims ‘Moana’ film idea was stolen

Animator Buck Woodall sues Disney for stealing "Moana" film materials he shared with the company in 2003. The Oscars push back key dates due L.A. fires.
By HNN Staff
Published: Jan. 14, 2025 at 5:31 AM HST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Animator Buck Woodall is suing Disney for $10 billion after he said he shared film materials with the company in 2003 while working on a development deal.

Woodall filed the lawsuit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024, claiming that Disney stole elements of his screenplay “Bucky” to create the “Moana” and “Moana 2″ movies.

The lawsuit references similarities between the materials Woodall shared with Disney, including the Polynesian belief of ancestors manifested as animals, the protagonist’s journey starting with a turtle, and a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos.

This is the second lawsuit Woodall has filed against Disney in connection with the “Moana” movies. Disney said that no one involved in the creation of “Moana” saw Woodall’s materials.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

Most Read

HPD Major Mike Lambert (right) picked to replace state DLE Director Jordan Lowe (left)
Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement director steps down; police major nominated as replacement
Plans restart to build Atlantis resort in Hawaii as new California developer takes over
California developer revives plans to build ‘iconic’ resort in West Oahu
Patient Robert Ishii suffered burns over his body.
Updates on fireworks survivors as surgeon describes ‘pure chaos’ post-explosion
Cell phone call to 911
Honolulu proposes to ease ambulance strain with help from rideshare companies, but drivers have questions
Mary Sue was born April 29, 1959, more than 65 years ago.
DNA test leads to identification of toddler in 1960 Oahu cold case murder
Mokulele Airlines has grounded all of its flights Wednesday morning, the airline posted on its...
Mokulele Airlines temporarily grounds all flights due to maintenance issues
FILE - Marshmallow Peeps candy, which contains red dye no. 3, is on display at a store in...
FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods
The city will begin accepting online applications on Jan. 27 through Feb. 7.
Kalihi businesses impacted by rail construction can soon apply for financial relief

Latest News

Wahiawa residents spoke out against a proposed landfill on agricultural land during a town hall.
City's proposed landfill site draws strong opposition at Wahiawa town hall meeting
The 2025 Polynesian Bowl is being touted as the deepest roster in it’s 8 year history with 11...
Hawaii talent headlines Team Mauka in 2025 Polynesian Bowl
The ceremony took place at UH West Oahu and is the start of Wendy Hensel's tour of all of the...
University of Hawaii welcomes Wendy Hensel as its 16th president
After over seven years with CrimeStoppers Honolulu, Sgt. Chris Kim will retire on Jan. 31.
Honolulu CrimeStoppers coordinator retires after 26 years with HPD
Forecast: Trade winds return over the weekend with passing showers
First Alert Forecast: Larger surf this Friday plus a front and instability to come
Senate President Ron Kouchi
Hawaii’s cost of living top of mind for lawmakers on opening day
Young Street fire
HFD reveals cause of deadly McCully building fire
Team Mauka features a total of 16 local players, and all are honored to be a part of what’s...
Hawaii talent headlines Team Mauka in 2025 Polynesian Bowl