Disney Wins 'Moana' Trial, Cleared of Copyright Claims

The Allegations

The lawsuit was initiated by Buck Woodall, a writer and animator, who asserted that Disney's "Moana" bore significant similarities to his own project, "Bucky the Surfer Boy." Woodall claimed that in 2004, he shared his story outline with Jenny Marchick, a relative by marriage who was employed at Mandeville Films, a company affiliated with Disney. He alleged that his work, which included a 2003 outline, a 2008 update, and a 2011 script, was subsequently used without his consent in the development of "Moana."

The Trial Proceedings

During the two-week trial, the jury examined both "Moana" and Woodall's "Bucky" materials. Woodall's attorney, Gustavo Lage, highlighted several alleged similarities between the two works:

• Both narratives feature teenagers embarking on perilous ocean voyages across Polynesian waters to save their endangered islands
• Each story includes a demigod character with tattoos and a giant hook
• The protagonists interact with animal guides that embody spiritual ancestors
• Both plots involve navigation by stars, encounters with a lava goddess, and a significant necklace

However, Disney's defense, led by attorney Moez Kaba, argued that these elements are derived from Polynesian lore and common literary themes, which are not subject to copyright protection. Kaba emphasized that the creators of "Moana," John Musker and Ron Clements, had no knowledge of Woodall's work. He presented extensive development documentation to demonstrate the independent creation of "Moana."

The Verdict

After approximately 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously found in favor of Disney, determining that there was no evidence to suggest that the creators of "Moana" had access to Woodall's materials. This verdict rendered any discussion of similarities between the two works moot. Woodall's attorney expressed disappointment with the outcome and indicated that they are considering further legal options.

Following the verdict, Disney released a statement expressing satisfaction with the jury's decision. The company reiterated its pride in the originality and creativity of the "Moana" team, asserting that the film is a product of extensive research and storytelling rooted in Polynesian culture. Disney's legal representatives declined to comment further outside the courtroom.

Ongoing Legal Matters

Despite this legal victory, Disney faces a separate lawsuit filed by Woodall in January, alleging copyright infringement related to the sequel, "Moana 2," which was released in November 2024 and has grossed over $1 billion globally. Woodall is seeking at least $10 billion in damages in this ongoing case. No trial date has been set for this lawsuit, and legal experts anticipate that Disney will seek its dismissal, citing the favorable verdict in the initial trial. ​

Implications for the Entertainment Industry

The ‘Moana’ trial gives the public insight into the complexities of copyright law in the entertainment industry, particularly when dealing with stories inspired by cultural myths and legends. The jury's decision favors the right to access the original work and further distinct protectable creative elements and common themes derived from public domain sources. As studios continue to draw inspiration from diverse cultures, this verdict may influence how such projects are developed and how intellectual property claims are assessed in the future.