An animator has filed a lawsuit against Disney, alleging copyright infringement related to the highly anticipated sequel to the animated film "Moana." The lawsuit, lodged in a California federal court, claims that Disney has unlawfully incorporated elements from the animator's original work into "Moana 2." The case raises significant questions about intellectual property rights within the competitive animation industry.
The animator, who has chosen to remain anonymous, asserts that they pitched a story concept to Disney executives in 2018. According to the complaint, this concept included unique character designs and a storyline featuring Polynesian mythology. The animator contends that after the pitch, Disney's team developed a sequel that closely mirrors the elements of their original proposal without permission or acknowledgment.
The lawsuit highlights specific similarities between the animator's work and the storyline of "Moana 2," which is set to explore new adventures with familiar characters. The plaintiff argues that these similarities are too pronounced to be coincidental and claims damages for lost revenue and emotional distress caused by the alleged infringement.
Disney has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. However, the company has a history of defending its creative works vigorously, often citing fair use and originality as key defenses against copyright claims. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for how animation companies handle intellectual property and creative pitches in the future.
The timing of the lawsuit is particularly striking as anticipation builds for "Moana 2," which is scheduled for release next year. Fans of the original film are eager to see how the sequel will expand on the beloved characters and their journeys. However, the legal battle may cast a shadow over the film’s release, depending on how quickly the court resolves the matter.
