Disney Cleared in 'Moana' Copyright Case

A Los Angeles federal jury has cleared Disney of copyright infringement allegations in a lawsuit filed by Buck Woodall, who claimed that the 2016 film 'Moana' was based on his project, 'Bucky the Wave Warrior.' Woodall alleged that both stories involved teenagers embarking on dangerous voyages to save Polynesian islands. However, the jury found no evidence that Disney had access to Woodall's work, as Woodall's relative testified she never showed them to Disney. Consequently, the jury did not need to compare the story similarities. Disney expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the original creation of 'Moana' by its filmmakers, John Musker and Ron Clements. Woodall has also filed a separate lawsuit concerning the sequel, 'Moana 2,' which remains unresolved.