Disney has emerged victorious in a lawsuit regarding its popular animated feature, “Moana,” after a two-week trial in Los Angeles federal court. New Mexico-based screenwriter Derek Woodall claimed that Disney’s 2016 blockbuster infringed upon his 2011 screenplay, “Bucky the Wave Warrior.” However, an eight-member jury unanimously sided with Disney, concluding after less than three hours of deliberation that the company had no access to Woodall’s work.
Why was the lawsuit filed?
Woodall argued that his screenplay and “Moana” shared key similarities, including storylines involving teenagers defying parental orders, embarking on a risky voyage, and ultimately saving their Polynesian islands. He also cited personal connections, alleging his screenplay was indirectly presented to Walt Disney Animation Studios through a relative who worked on the Disney lot. Court filings revealed that Disney Animation Studios had declined this submission.
Woodall sought damages equivalent to 2.5% of Moana’s gross revenue—an estimated $10 billion.
Disney claimed “Moana” was independently developed.
Throughout the trial, Disney maintained that “Moana” was independently developed, emphasizing stark differences between the two narratives. Attorneys highlighted contrasts such as the distinct historical settings—Woodall’s “Bucky” as contemporary, and Disney’s “Moana” set thousands of years earlier—and fundamental character differences, including Moana’s position as a future tribal chief versus Bucky being a regular American teenager.
Additionally, Disney argued there was no evidence indicating the “Moana” filmmakers had encountered Woodall’s screenplay or its earlier versions. After the court determined that Disney had not seen Woodall’s screenplay, it did not compare the two for the similarities Woodall claimed.
A Disney spokesperson gave this statement to Variety,
“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’s legal representative said they were disappointed but would be looking into other legal avenues.
We will likely hear more about this situation over time.
Source: Variety
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