Disney Cleared of Copyright Infringement in ‘Moana’ Lawsuit

Disney has been cleared of copyright infringement in a lawsuit over the animated film Moana.

After a jury in Los Angeles sided with the entertainment titan, I found myself eagerly awaiting the decision handed down on Monday, concluding a two-week battle in federal court.

In 2020, a screenwriter named Buck Woodall, hailing from New Mexico, brought forward a legal claim stating that the Disney film “Moana” bore resemblance to his work titled “Bucky the Wave Warrior.

The eight-person jury came to a consensus that Disney was not privy to Woodall’s 2011 screenplay or previous drafts.

In a decision made swiftly within about three hours, the jury concluded that no access had been proven, eliminating the need to evaluate if the two pieces were significantly alike.

Woodall claimed that the two projects revolved around adolescents who disobey their parents to undertake dangerous voyages aimed at rescuing a Polynesian island.

Additionally, he pointed out other correspondences, such as star mapping, a semi-divine figure with tattoos, and enduring a maritime tempest.

In 2004, Woodall presented his project to his step-niece who worked as an assistant at a live-action production firm situated within the Disney studios.

Later on, I asked if Walt Disney Animation Studios would consider my submission, but they said no.

Disney contended that the movie “Moana” was produced independently at a later time, asserting there is no proof connecting Woodall’s work with the filmmakers.

In my argument, I emphasize distinct characteristics that set apart the two pieces of work. As part of our legal team’s statement in a motion, I highlight these differences: “I am white, while Bucky is Oceanian; I hail from the mainland U.S., but Moana is native to the fictional island of Motunui.

In modern times, we find Bucky, a typical teenager, whereas Moana dwells in the distant past. As for Bucky, he yearns to master the art of surfing, while Moana is destined to uphold her people’s esteemed legacy as the world’s most skilled ocean navigators, continuing their proud history.

The court decided in November that many of Woodall’s arguments couldn’t be pursued because they were too old, as the movie had been premiered back in 2016.

However, since Disney’s home video division, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, released a DVD in 2017, the lawsuit filed against them was permitted to continue.

Following the verdict, Disney’s lawyers declined to comment.

Woodall’s attorney expressed feeling let down and would evaluate potential strategies for his client. In addition to this, Woodall himself initiated a different lawsuit back in January, claiming that the movie “Moana 2” violates his work, with the trial still ongoing.

Great Disney+ Movies You Might Have Missed

The Three Caballeros (1944)

Despite not being one of Disney’s most renowned early animations, “The Three Caballeros” offers an intriguing glimpse into Disney’s history. The film is unique as it was constructed around a collection of shorts to celebrate Donald Duck’s 10th anniversary. It features stunning hand-drawn visuals, catchy tunes, and one of the earliest instances where animation was combined with live-action footage. The characters of The Three Caballeros – Donald, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles – have stood the test of time. They continue to be a popular attraction on the Epcot ride and have even recently starred in their own TV series titled “Legend of the Three Caballeros“.

Oklahoma! (1955)

As a huge fan, I must admit that while Disney+ offers a wealth of content from their extensive history and the 20th Century Fox film library, it’s not overflowing with older titles. However, one gem that stands out is the 1955 film adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Broadway masterpiece, “Oklahoma!”. This timeless production features enduring tunes like “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'” and boasts an exceptional cast. But what truly sets it apart is its early adoption of 70mm widescreen technology, lending the film an epic grandeur befitting its frontier backdrop.

Rookie of the Year (1993)

Despite many 90’s classics losing their charm, the film “Rookie of the Year” remains enjoyable for kids. My children, who aren’t very familiar with baseball, are captivated by this comedy about a 12-year-old boy (Thomas Ian Nicholas) who, in a strange turn of events, discovers he can throw a ball as fast as a professional baseball player after breaking his shoulder. This newfound ability catches the attention of his beloved Chicago Cubs, and he assists the team in transforming from hapless underdogs into unexpected champions. While it follows traditional sports movie tropes, it does so with humor and intelligent casting, including an unconventional choice like Gary Busey for the role of a rugged romantic lead.

George of the Jungle (1997)

If you’ve got kids who adore slapstick comedy or if you yourself are a fan of this genre, consider watching “George of the Jungle”. This lively, amusing take on the classic cartoon series brings warmth and silliness. Brendan Fraser, in his most endearing and ridiculously fit portrayal, plays George, a man raised in the jungle by intelligent animals. Fraser was one of the ’90s stars whose physique was as defined as his humor, and “George of the Jungle” makes excellent use of both.

Sky High (2005)

Prior to acquiring Marvel, Disney attempted to establish their own comic book universe through “Sky High”, a concept reminiscent of both “X-Men” and “Harry Potter”. This story revolves around a school for young superhumans. In Sky High, students are categorized into heroes (similar to jocks) and sidekicks (akin to nerds). The series uses this smart analogy effectively while infusing it with plenty of emotion and a strong ensemble of adult characters, including Kurt Russell, Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Bruce Campbell. Despite not earning enough to warrant a sequel, “Sky High” stands alongside any of the well-known Marvel films available on Disney+.

Dan in Real Life (2007)

It’s true that my fondness for this movie might stem from its setting in Rhode Island, where much of my family resides. However, most of my appreciation is due to its heartfelt portrayal of a widower (Steve Carell) who encounters a possible new love interest. Unfortunately, there’s a complication: She (Juliette Binoche) is dating his brother (Dane Cook). Despite the straightforward plot, the movie is filled with compassion for its characters and avoids being overly sentimental. This isn’t a family-friendly film – younger audiences might find it dull – but if you’re looking to make better use of your streaming subscription when the kids aren’t around, I recommend giving Dan in Real Life a chance.

Walt & El Grupo (2008)

If you’re curious about the background of Disney producing movies like “The Three Caballeros” and “Saludos Amigos”, I recommend watching the documentary titled “Walt & El Grupo”. This film chronicles a journey taken by Walt Disney and his creative team, collectively known as “El Grupo”, in Latin America during a goodwill tour for President Roosevelt and the U.S. government in the early 1940s. Regardless of your feelings towards Disney, it’s undeniable that the company has significantly impacted pop culture over the past century. A movie like “Walt & El Grupo” offers a unique perspective on how Disney expanded its global influence. The documentary features captivating archival footage from Walt’s trip and sheds light on the inspiration behind “Saludos Amigos” and “The Three Caballeros”.

Jordan Rides the Bus (2010)

Beginning in 2009, ESPN produced a series of 30 documentaries called “30 For 30,” detailing stories from their first 30 years. This project was so well-received that it continued even after their 30th anniversary passed, and today you can find many excellent sports documentaries from this series on Disney+. Some of the documentaries include “I Hate Christian Laettner” about the renowned college basketball player, “Kings Ransom” about Wayne Gretzky’s move from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings, and “Bad Boys,” which explores the Detroit Pistons teams of the 1980s and ’90s.

If you’re looking for a good place to start, check out “Jordan Rides the Bus.” This documentary follows Michael Jordan’s unconventional journey from basketball to football. Directed by Ron Shelton, who is known for iconic sports films like “Bull Durham” and “White Men Can Jump,” this film offers a unique perspective on this intriguing topic through the lens of a skilled filmmaker and sports enthusiast.

Cars 3 (2017)

Skipping over “Cars 3” may seem like an understandable choice following the disappointing tone of its sequel. However, you might have missed what many consider the best film in the series altogether. In this installment, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) grapples with the impending end of his racing career and confronts his own mortality – an unusual theme for a car, but then again, everything about the “Cars” movies is somewhat peculiar. Yet, this film manages to be more introspective and imaginative than its predecessors in dealing with these oddities.

The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)

People often complain about the scarcity of fresh blockbusters, only to overlook them when they appear. The movie “The Kid Who Would Be King” was a clever reinterpretation of Arthurian mythology, featuring an accomplished cast and a pertinent political theme; it was directed by Joe Cornish, who previously brought us one of the most iconic cult films of the century – “Attack the Block”. Sadly, it seems few people actually went to see it in cinemas. (To be honest, I didn’t either until I watched it on a flight and instantly fell for it.) In my opinion, “The Kid Who Would Be King” is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Disney+’s collection.

2025-03-11 16:24