Jury Rejects Claim That Disney’s “Moana” Was Stolen from Writer’s Story
In a highly publicized case, a Los Angeles federal jury quickly dismissed a claim that Disney’s hit animated film Moana was stolen from a story written by Buck Woodall, a writer and animator. The jury, composed of six women and two men, deliberated for just 2.5 hours before reaching their verdict. They concluded that the creators of Moana had never been exposed to Woodall’s outlines and script for his story, titled Bucky the Surfer Boy. This decision meant the jury did not even need to consider the similarities between the two works, effectively ending the legal battle over the alleged theft of intellectual property.
Woodall had alleged that his story about a young surfer in Hawaii was the inspiration for Moana, a 2016 film about a Polynesian princess on a quest to save her island. He claimed that his work had been shared with a distant relative who worked for a company on the Disney lot, suggesting a potential chain of access. However, the relative testified during the trial that she never shared Woodall’s work with anyone at Disney, including the filmmakers behind Moana. Despite this, Woodall’s attorney argued that a chain of circumstantial evidence proved the two works were inseparable, stating, “There was no Moana without Bucky.”
Disney’s Defense: Moana Was an Original Creation
Disney’s defense team, led by attorney Moez Kaba, vehemently denied Woodall’s claims, arguing that Moana was the result of decades of creativity and hard work by its writers and directors, John Musker and Ron Clements. The pair, known for their iconic films such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Princess and the Frog, were described as the masterminds behind Moana. Kaba emphasized that Musker and Clements had no knowledge of Woodall’s work and had developed the film entirely on their own, drawing inspiration from their research, travels, and creativity.
The defense also pointed out that many of the elements Woodall claimed were stolen—such as Polynesian lore, demigods, and shape-shifting characters—were common themes in literature and cinema, and thus not protected by copyright. They highlighted that similar elements appeared in other Disney films, such as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, long before Moana was conceived. Kaba further argued that Disney had thousands of pages of development documents that detailed every step of the creation of Moana, proving its originality. “You can see every single fingerprint,” Kaba said. “You can see the entire genetic makeup of Moana.”
The Evidence Presented in Court
During the trial, Woodall presented his story outline for Bucky the Surfer Boy, which he had created in 2003 and updated in 2008 and 2011. The story follows a young surfer who befriends Native Hawaiian youth, travels through time, and interacts with demigods to save a sacred site from a developer. Woodall claimed he had shared his work with a distant relative, Jenny Marchick, who worked for Mandeville Films, a company with a contract with Disney. However, Marchick testified that she never shared the outline with anyone at Disney and eventually stopped responding to Woodall’s inquiries.
The defense countered with evidence showing that Marchick had no involvement in the production of Moana and had worked for Disney’s competitors, Sony and Fox, during the time she allegedly could have used Woodall’s work. Additionally, Woodall had submitted his script directly to Disney and even had a meeting with a Disney Channel assistant, but the jury found no evidence that this led to the creation of Moana. The judge overseeing the case, Consuelo B. Marshall, agreed with the jury’s decision, stating that there was no proof Disney had access to Woodall’s work.
Similarities Between Moana and Bucky: Coincidence or Copying?
One of the key points of contention in the case was the similarity between Moana and Bucky the Surfer Boy. Both stories feature teenagers on oceanic quests, interactions with animals as spirit helpers, and encounters with demigods who can shape-shift into various forms, including insects and sharks. Woodall’s attorney, Gustavo Lage, highlighted these similarities in his closing arguments, suggesting they were too specific to be mere coincidence. However, the defense argued that these elements were common in literature and animation, and thus not unique to Woodall’s story.
Kaba pointed out that shape-shifting characters and animal guides had appeared in Disney films long before Moana, such as in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules. He also noted that the use of Polynesian lore was not unique to Woodall, as it had been explored in other works of art and literature. The jury ultimately agreed with the defense, finding no evidence that Disney had copied Woodall’s work.
The Jury’s Verdict and Its Implications
The jury’s decision came as a disappointment to Woodall and his legal team, who had hoped to prove that Disney had unfairly appropriated his ideas. “Obviously, we’re disappointed,” Lage said after the verdict. “We’re going to review our options and think about the best path forward.” However, the ruling dealt a significant blow to Woodall’s case, and the judge had already ruled that his 2020 lawsuit had been filed too late for him to claim a share of the profits from Moana, which had earned nearly $700 million at the global box office.
The case also has implications for a related lawsuit Woodall filed over Moana 2, which earned more than $1 billion at the box office. While that lawsuit remains active, the jury’s decision does not bode well for Woodall’s chances of success. The verdict underscores the difficulty of proving copyright infringement in cases where the alleged stolen elements are not uniquely original but rather draw from common themes and ideas.
Conclusion: A Victory for Disney and a Cautionary Tale for Creators
In the end, the jury’s decision was a clear victory for Disney, reinforcing the idea that Moana was the original creation of its writers and directors. The case also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by independent creators who believe their work has been stolen by larger corporations. While it is important for creators to protect their intellectual property, the law often favors the defense when the alleged stolen elements are not uniquely original or when there is no clear evidence of access or copying.
For Disney, the verdict is a testament to the hard work and creativity of its filmmakers, who have brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the world. As the company continues to produce beloved films like Moana, it remains a leader in the animation industry, thanks to the dedication of talents like John Musker and Ron Clements. The case also highlights the importance of thorough documentation and the value of originality in the creative process. For now, Moana remains a crowning achievement in Disney’s legacy, untouched by the claims of Buck Woodall.
