Disney won a major legal battle on Monday when a federal jury quickly rejected a copyright lawsuit that accused the studio of stealing concepts from an independent film, Bucky the Surfer Boy, for its 2016 blockbuster Moana. Buck Woodall, a writer and animator, brought the suit, charging that Disney borrowed from his idea, which was for a Polynesian-themed adventure about a young hero traveling in an outrigger canoe. But after only 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury decided in favor of Disney, declaring that there was no proof the filmmakers had ever gotten their hands on Woodall’s material.
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Allegations of Idea Theft
Woodall alleged that he presented his project treatment to Jenny Marchick in 2004, during which time she was employed by Mandeville Films, a Disney-affiliated company. Throughout the years, Woodall sent over materials, only to afterwards feel that Moana contained startling similarities to his work. He pointed out similarities, including Polynesian cultural imagery, oceanic journey, and character archetypes like animal companions and a lava goddess.
Defense and Jury’s Verdict
Disney’s defense had maintained that standard storytelling motifs, such as Polynesian mythology, cannot be copyrighted. The defense further asserted that directors John Musker and Ron Clements made Moana on their own, unaware of Woodall’s work. During the trial, Marchick swore under oath she never presented Woodall’s work to Disney, and messages indicated she had ceased contact with him. The jury concurred, ruling there was no proof of access to Woodall’s project.
Ongoing Lawsuits
This suit was initiated in 2020, demanding $100 million in compensatory damages. Though this case was dismissed, Woodall has lodged a second suit against Moana’s sequel, which is still pending.
