An arcade, a masked killer, hunting teenagers, rethinking the rules of horror movies… nothing new for slasher fans. Still, Mickey’s Mouse Trap (a play on words around the Disney mascot and the mousetrap’s name) is the first non-Disney feature film to use the famous character’s design, now in the public domain.
Smile, you are being hunted!
In fact, on January 1, 2024, the first iteration of Mickey Mouse, the black-and-white short film Steamboat Willie released in 1928, became free for use across the Atlantic, after 95 years of Disney exclusivity.
As well as the horror film Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey in 2022, which benefited from AA Milne’s original book – published in 1926 – in the public domain, Mickey Mouse Trap can now take advantage of the mascot iconography envisioned by Walt Disney to offer a bloody diversion (no release date at this time).
But be careful, that’s all this A version of the rodent, without the white gloves, red shorts, wizard hat from Fantasia or more modern pencil strokes: other designs of Mickey Mouse will indeed remain the property of the studio for many years (here we explain everything).
Moreover, the iconic shot of the whistling mouse at the wheel of the ship Steamboat Williewhich is now placed on the opening of the studio’s animated films and has become a de facto brand (not subject to public domain law) is also prohibited from being used, hence its absence from the trailer. Mickey Mouse Trapwhich however takes other short sequences from the short film.
Destroy the mice… before Mickey destroys you!
At the same time, the horrifying video game also anticipated Mickey Mouse’s arrival in the public domain: the first images INFESTATION 88 Announce a co-op game that immerses players in a rodent-infested warehouse… where a (very) aggressive Mickey also seems to be lurking. on the contrary Mickey Mouse TrapThe trailer explains that the original creators of the character were not involved in the design “independent” A game that was played by the defense “Public Domain Legal Framework”.
A welcome clarification for future buyers and a more than useful legal precaution for Nightmare Forge Game studios, the Disney studios’ lawyers will now be scrutinizing the future use of their mascot.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
