Disney Prevails in High-Stakes Copyright Battle
In a decisive legal victory, Disney has been cleared of copyright infringement allegations related to its 2016 animated film, Moana.
An eight-member jury in Los Angeles ruled in Disney’s favor, concluding that the company did not use or have access to the screenplay that screenwriter Buck Woodall claimed was the inspiration for the film.
The Origins of the Case
The case originated in 2020, when Woodall alleged that Moana bore striking similarities to his 2011 screenplay, Bucky the Wave Warrior.
Woodall argued that both stories shared common elements, such as:
- A teenage hero rebelling against family expectations.
- A perilous sea voyage with the goal of saving an island.
- A strong Polynesian cultural theme woven throughout the narrative.
However, Disney countered these claims, maintaining that Moana was developed independently, without any connection to Woodall’s work.
Courtroom Battle and Final Verdict
Over two weeks of testimony, Woodall’s legal team attempted to establish that Disney’s creative team had access to Bucky the Wave Warrior before developing Moana.
However, the jury ruled that:
✔ There was no proof that Disney had access to Woodall’s script.
✔ The similarities were not strong enough to establish infringement.
Following the verdict, Disney released a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome, while Woodall’s lawyer called the decision “disappointing.”
Another Copyright Fight Over ‘Moana 2’
Despite losing this case, Woodall has already filed a new lawsuit against Disney in January 2024, claiming that Moana 2 also infringes on his screenplay.
Meanwhile, the sequel has been a massive success, grossing $135.5 million in its opening weekend, making it Disney’s biggest animated debut ever.
