The legal battle surrounding Disney’s Moana (2016) continues to captivate the entertainment world. Animator Buck Woodall filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing them of stealing his idea for the 2016 hit film. Woodall claims that the storyline of Moana closely resembles his screenplay Bucky the Surfer Boy, which he pitched to Mandeville Films in 2003.
While Disney vehemently denied these allegations, the case sparked significant attention due to the high stakes for both parties.
Related: Why the Success of ‘Moana 2’ Could Be a Problem for Disney Animators
This lawsuit has gone through multiple phases, with Woodall insisting that his original work bears striking similarities to the beloved Moana film.
According to his legal team, the two stories share key themes—an adventurous protagonist navigating the ocean and encountering mythical characters.
However, Disney’s defense pointed to the fact that Moana was inspired by ancient Polynesian mythology, specifically the legend of the demigod Maui and his magical fishhook, rather than Woodall’s script.
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The case grew even more complicated when it was revealed that Woodall had pitched Bucky the Surfer Boy to Mandeville Films, which had a first-look deal with Disney at the time.
This raised the question: Was there a possibility that the creators of Moana had seen or been influenced by Woodall’s work? The drama played out in public, with fans and media outlets watching closely to see what would unfold.
The Legal Journey
Woodall’s lawsuit, originally filed in 2020, was initially dismissed after a judge ruled that it had been filed too late. However, the case was revived when Woodall filed another lawsuit, this time targeting Disney’s blockbuster sequel, Moana 2.
Released in November 2024, Moana 2 quickly became a global success, grossing over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Woodall’s new legal action is attempting to claim damages from the sequel, asserting that it too bears similarities to Bucky the Surfer Boy.
As the legal saga stretched on, Disney’s defense remained consistent — Moana was not based on Woodall’s work. The company continued to emphasize the film’s roots in Polynesian folklore, underscoring its commitment to showcasing the rich culture through the story of Moana and her journey.
The defense also pointed out that the film’s directors, Ron Clements and John Musker, had never seen Woodall’s script during the creation of the film.
Tensions Rise as Jury Deliberates
As the case reached the courtroom, tensions mounted. The stakes were high, and both sides were determined to make their case. The main issue before the jury was whether the creators of Moana had ever been exposed to Woodall’s Bucky script.
Disney’s legal team was adamant that neither Clements nor Musker had seen or been aware of the screenplay during their work on the film.
A key element of the trial centered on the similarities between Moana and Bucky the Surfer Boy, with Woodall’s team highlighting specific plot points they believed were too closely aligned to be a coincidence.
Related: Fans Fear ‘Moana 2’ Could Change the Disney Princess Legacy
However, Disney’s defense pointed to the significant differences in the narratives, stressing the cultural inspiration behind the film’s story.
The Verdict
On March 10, 2025, the jury reached a decision, finding in favor of Disney. The jury ruled that the company did not steal the idea for Moana, and as a result, Woodall was not entitled to any damages.
“While the panel of six women and two men determined in just under three hours that Disney and primary Moana creators John Musker and Ron Clements never saw or even knew about Woodall’s Bucky the Surfer Boy work while working on the 2016 animated hit, Woodall now has a separate copyright infringement action in the courts over blockbuster sequel Moana 2.”
After the decision, a Disney spokesperson expressed the company’s satisfaction with the ruling, stating:
“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.”
However, Woodall’s lawyers indicated that they were not ready to give up. They voiced their disappointment with the verdict, mentioning that they would be exploring their options, including the possibility of an appeal.
What’s Next for Disney and Woodall?
With the legal battle over the original Moana now concluded, Disney is able to look ahead to the future of the franchise. Moana remains one of Disney’s most successful and beloved films, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable.
As for Woodall, his legal struggles are far from over, as he continues to pursue claims related to Moana 2. This new lawsuit will be decided separately, and its outcome will likely influence future decisions regarding copyright and intellectual property in Hollywood.
Will Disney’s victory be final, or will the legal challenges continue? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
