In a significant legal development, a Los Angeles jury has handed Disney a resounding victory in the long-standing lawsuit regarding its 2016 hit film Moana. The jury concluded that Disney did not steal the idea for the beloved animated film, quelling the accusations made by animator Buck Woodall, who alleged that the story for Moana was too similar to his own earlier work, Bucky the Surfer Boy.
This legal battle, which had been brewing for years, has now concluded with the jury siding firmly in Disney’s favor.
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Following the verdict, Disney executives can breathe a sigh of relief and shift their focus to the future of the Moana franchise, particularly the upcoming developments in the world of the Polynesian princess, without the looming threat of further legal action.
The Backstory: Woodall’s Claims
The controversy surrounding Moana began when Buck Woodall, a former animator and screenwriter, filed a lawsuit accusing Disney of stealing his idea. Woodall claimed that the plot of Moana bore striking similarities to his 2003 screenplay, Bucky the Surfer Boy, which he had pitched to Mandeville Films, a company that had a first-look deal with Disney at the time.
Woodall argued that both stories featured a young protagonist navigating the ocean, encountering legendary figures, and embarking on a heroic quest. However, Disney maintained that Moana was inspired by authentic Polynesian mythology and folklore, including the famous story of the demigod Maui and his magical fishhook.
The studio’s legal defense was that Woodall’s work had never been seen or considered during the creation of Moana.
The Verdict
On March 10, 2025, the jury determined that there was no merit to Woodall’s claims.
According to a report from Deadline:
While the panel of six women and two men determined in just under three hours that Disney and primary Moana creators John Musker and Ron Clements never saw or even knew about Woodall’s Bucky the Surfer Boy work while working on the 2016 animated hit, Woodall now has a separate copyright infringement action in the courts over blockbuster sequelMoana 2.
Related: Fans Afraid ‘Moana 2’ Is a Threat to the Future of Disney Princess Films
A statement from Disney following the verdict read: “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.”
However, Woodall’s legal team expressed disappointment with the decision, noting that they were “weighing our options to determine the best path forward,” hinting that they might file an appeal.
A Separate Lawsuit Over Moana 2
While the Moana lawsuit has come to a close, it is not the end of Woodall’s legal battles with Disney. In a twist that adds another layer to this already complex case, Woodall has filed a separate copyright infringement lawsuit over Moana 2, the successful sequel that hit theaters in November 2024.
Moana 2 has been a massive success, grossing over $1 billion globally, and is set to premiere on Disney+ on March 12, 2025.
Woodall’s legal team has argued that the sequel, much like the original film, contains elements of his original screenplay. This new lawsuit is still ongoing, and its outcome could have significant implications for both Woodall and Disney.
Looking Ahead
The legal saga surrounding Moana has undoubtedly been an intense and challenging ordeal for Disney. However, with this latest ruling in their favor, the company can now move forward without the distraction of this high-profile legal battle.
Moana remains one of Disney’s most popular films, with the song “How Far I’ll Go” still a fan favorite, and the story of Moana herself continuing to resonate with audiences around the world.
As Disney turns its attention to the future of the Moana franchise, it remains to be seen how the ongoing legal challenges related to Moana 2 will unfold.
For now, Disney is celebrating the victory in the courtroom and gearing up for the next chapter in the saga of their Polynesian princess.
The Moana story, whether in court or on the big screen, shows no signs of slowing down. While the legal battles continue, audiences are eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Moana franchise. In the meantime, the film’s legacy as a cultural touchstone for audiences worldwide remains firmly intact.
Do you think the jury made the right decision? Was Disney’s Moana too similar to Woodall’s Bucky the Surfer Boy, or did it draw more heavily from Polynesian folklore? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
