This image released by Disney shows the character Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, in a scene from 'Moana 2.' (Disney via AP)
A Los Angeles jury has ruled against a writer who claimed that Disney's Moana was based on his work. The decision, reached in just two and a half hours, determined that Disney never had access to Buck Woodall’s script for Bucky the Surfer Boy, effectively ending his copyright claim.
No Evidence of Access
Woodall argued that his story, which follows a young surfer on a mythical adventure in Hawaii, was the foundation for Moana. However, he admitted that he had only shared his script with a distant relative, Jenny Marchick, who worked at a company on the Disney lot. Marchick testified that she never passed his work to anyone at Disney.
Given this lack of access, the jury never had to compare the similarities between Bucky the Surfer Boy and Moana.
Plaintiff Disappointed but Considering Next Steps
Following the verdict, Woodall’s attorney, Gustavo Lage, expressed disappointment but stated they would review their options. He argued that the two stories were deeply connected, saying, “There was no Moana without Bucky.”
Disney Defends Its Work
Disney’s defense lawyer, Moez Kaba, countered that Moana was the independent creation of renowned directors John Musker and Ron Clements. These filmmakers, credited with classics like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules, had no knowledge of Woodall’s work.
“They had no idea about Bucky,” Kaba stated. He further emphasized that Moana was a culmination of extensive research, inspiration from Polynesian culture, and the team’s creative efforts.
Impact on Future Legal Claims
Woodall previously filed a lawsuit in 2020 seeking a share of Moana’s nearly $700 million in box office earnings. However, a judge ruled that he had waited too long to make his claim. He also recently sued over Moana 2, which grossed over $1 billion, but that case remains separate. Legal experts suggest this ruling weakens his chances in the sequel lawsuit.
Judge Consuelo B. Marshall, who oversaw the case, agreed with the jury’s decision. Disney also welcomed the outcome, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Moana and pleased that the jury found it had nothing to do with Plaintiff’s works.”
Jury Examined Both Stories
During the trial, the jury watched the film and reviewed Woodall’s Bucky the Surfer Boy materials, including a 2003 outline, a 2008 revision, and a 2011 script. In Bucky, the protagonist visits Hawaii with his parents, befriends local youth, and embarks on a quest involving time travel, demigods, and a sacred site under threat.
Woodall had sent his script to Marchick in 2004, hoping for industry connections. She arranged a meeting for him with a Disney Channel assistant but later stopped responding to his inquiries. The defense presented evidence that she never worked on Moana and held positions at Sony, Fox, and DreamWorks during key years of its development.
Copyright Claims of Moana Dismissed
Woodall’s lawyer pointed to similarities between Bucky and Moana, such as oceanic adventures, Polynesian demigods, and shape-shifting characters. However, Kaba argued that these are common storytelling elements and not protected by copyright. He cited examples from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and even Pinocchio, reinforcing that Moana followed Disney’s established creative process.
“Every single fingerprint of Moana is documented,” Kaba stated, highlighting the extensive research behind the film.
With this decisive ruling, Disney successfully defended Moana against copyright infringement claims, further securing its status as an original work.
