A New Mexico writer and animator is pursuing a lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the studio stole his ideas for the hit animated film, “Moana.” Closing arguments in the case are set to take place soon in Los Angeles.
The writer, Buck Woodall, claims that his script, which included a character named Bucky and elements like time travel and demigods, shares a striking resemblance to the 2016 film that features a Polynesian princess on a quest. Woodall says he first shared his script, titled “Bucky the Surfer Boy,” with a family member connected to Disney over a decade ago. He expressed disbelief when he noticed similarities between his work and “Moana” years later.
According to legal documents, both stories feature a young protagonist who defies advice from parents to embark on a perilous journey across the ocean, aiming to save their homeland. They both involve a character who meets a demigod with notable tattoos and a magical hook, as well as themes surrounding ancient Polynesian culture and spiritual beliefs.
Disney’s defense argues that no one at the studio encountered Woodall’s script, asserting that “Moana” was created through extensive cultural research, a hallmark of Disney’s approach to filmmaking. A judge has already ruled against Woodall, stating that his lawsuit was filed too late to claim any profits from the film’s success, which grossed around $700 million worldwide. Currently, the remaining issue involves the film’s DVD sales, which generated just over $31 million in revenue.
“Moana” was co-directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, both of whom played significant roles in Disney’s animation resurgence in the 1990s. During the proceedings, Musker expressed frustration over the allegations of plagiarism, firmly denying any wrongdoing. He highlighted similarities between “Moana” and previous projects like “The Little Mermaid,” suggesting that it’s common for storytelling elements to overlap in the industry.
The jury, composed of six women and two men, watched “Moana” in full during the trial, along with clips from other Disney classics. In their deliberations, they will focus on determining whether there is substantial similarity between the two works and whether Disney had access to Woodall’s original content.
Amid this ongoing legal battle, Woodall has initiated a second lawsuit related to “Moana 2,” which has exceeded $1 billion in global box office revenue. However, a judge ruled that this latest case will be considered separately, further complicating the situation for Woodall.
As the trial unfolds, the outcome may set an important precedent regarding intellectual property rights and creative ownership in the entertainment industry.
