Disney Cleared in Copyright Dispute Over ‘Moana’
After years of legal proceedings, Disney has officially won the copyright trial concerning its 2016 animated film, Moana.
A Los Angeles federal court jury ruled that Disney did not infringe upon a screenplay written by Buck Woodall, rejecting claims that the film was based on his work.
The Case: What Was Alleged?
Screenwriter Buck Woodall filed the lawsuit in 2020, asserting that his 2011 script, “Bucky the Wave Warrior”, was the foundation for Moana.
He pointed to multiple similarities, including:
- A young protagonist embarking on an oceanic journey.
- A mission to save an island from destruction.
- Cultural and ancestral themes central to the story.
Despite these parallels, Disney maintained that its film was developed years later and that there was no direct connection between the two works.
Disney’s Defense and Court’s Ruling
During the two-week trial, Disney’s legal team presented evidence that:
✔ Moana’s development was independent of Woodall’s screenplay.
✔ No record showed that any Disney filmmaker had seen or had access to his work.
The jury ultimately agreed, delivering a unanimous verdict in Disney’s favor.
Statements from Both Sides
Following the ruling, a Disney spokesperson shared the company’s official response:
“We are incredibly proud of the collective work that went into the making of ‘Moana’ and are pleased that the jury found it had nothing to do with Plaintiff’s works.”
Meanwhile, Woodall’s attorney voiced disappointment, though it remains unclear whether he will pursue an appeal.
Ongoing Legal Dispute Over ‘Moana 2’
Even as Disney celebrates this victory, another copyright lawsuit is already in motion.
Woodall has filed a separate lawsuit against Disney in early 2024, alleging that Moana 2 also borrows from his screenplay.
The sequel, released in December 2024, has already broken records with an opening weekend gross of $135.5 million, making it Disney’s most successful animated launch to date.
