“Disney CRUSHES Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘Moana’ – You Won’t Believe the Jury’s Verdict!”
Jury Rules in Favor of Disney in ‘Moana’ Copyright Case
In a swift decision, a Los Angeles federal jury has ruled in favor of Walt Disney Animation Studios in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by writer and animator Buck Woodall. Woodall had claimed that Disney’s 2016 animated blockbuster Moana was based on his work, Bucky the Surfer Boy. However, after less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found no evidence that Disney had access to Woodall’s material, effectively dismissing the case.
The Case Against Disney
Woodall alleged that Disney took inspiration from his Bucky the Surfer Boy outlines and script, which he had shared with Jenny Marchick, a former executive at Mandeville Films, a company then based on the Disney lot. Over the years, Woodall provided additional materials, hoping his story would be developed into a feature film.
The case revolved around whether Moana’s creators, John Musker and Ron Clements, had access to Woodall’s work. Disney’s legal team, led by Moez Kaba, provided extensive evidence proving that neither Musker nor Clements had ever seen or heard of Bucky the Surfer Boy before developing Moana.
The Jury’s Verdict
By ruling against Woodall on the issue of access, the court did not need to proceed with the next phase—determining whether Moana was substantially similar to Bucky the Surfer Boy. This decision underscores the difficulty of proving copyright infringement without clear evidence of access or direct copying.
Implications for Moana 2 Lawsuit
Interestingly, Woodall has also filed a separate lawsuit regarding the upcoming sequel, Moana 2, scheduled for release in November 2024. The same judge overseeing the original lawsuit will preside over this case, but today’s verdict may weaken Woodall’s claims against the sequel.
Disney’s Track Record in Copyright Disputes
Disney, one of the most influential entertainment companies in the world, has faced multiple copyright infringement claims over the years. However, the company has consistently defended its creative process, often emerging victorious in court. This latest ruling reinforces Disney’s legal standing and protects its billion-dollar franchise from potential financial and reputational damage.
What’s Next?
With the lawsuit settled in Disney’s favor, Moana remains untouched as an original work from Walt Disney Animation Studios. As for Moana 2, all eyes will be on whether Woodall’s secondary lawsuit gains any traction or follows the same fate as the first.
For now, Disney can celebrate another legal victory, while Moana fans continue to look forward to the highly anticipated sequel.
