Disney Cleared in Moana Copyright Case, Lawsuit Over Sequel Continues

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A jury found in favor of Disney on March 10, 2025, concluding a copyright trial centered on the animated film “Moana.” The case was brought by screenwriter Buck Woodall, who claimed that Disney’s 2016 film was based on his screenplay, “Bucky the Wave Warrior.”

After deliberating for less than three hours, the eight-member jury unanimously determined that Disney had no access to Woodall’s 2011 screenplay or its earlier treatments, clearing the company of the allegations. The two-week trial was held in federal court, where Woodall argued that both stories involved young protagonists embarking on perilous voyages to save a Polynesian island, along with other alleged similarities.

Disney’s representatives firmly asserted that “Moana” was independently created and had no association with Woodall’s work. A Disney spokesperson stated, “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.”

Woodall, based in New Mexico, alleged that he pitched his project to a relative affiliated with a production company on the Disney lot back in 2004. He contended that elements from his story, including star navigation and a hero who interacts with a demigod, were present in “Moana.”

However, Disney’s legal team pointed out significant differences between the two narratives. For instance, they noted that “Bucky” is characterized as a Caucasian boy, while Moana is portrayed as an Oceanian princess. Disney argued further, “Bucky lives in the modern day; Moana lives millennia in the past,” highlighting the distinction in their respective backgrounds and story arcs.

In November 2024, a judge had previously dismissed several of Woodall’s claims due to the statute of limitations, as the film debuted in 2016. Only his claim against Buena Vista Home Entertainment, which pertains to the DVD release in 2017, survived the ruling.

As the trial concluded, Disney’s lawyers chose not to comment outside the courtroom. Woodall expressed disappointment over the verdict and indicated he would explore options moving forward. In a subsequent development, he filed a separate lawsuit in January 2025, alleging that the upcoming “Moana 2” also infringed upon his screenplay. The new case remains pending as Disney navigates potential challenges in the franchise.