Mickey Mouse in the public domain: the first crazy projects arrive
Recall that at the beginning of 2022, a horror film project made Disney fans talk a lot: Blood and honey, in which Winnie the Pooh and Piglet were on a killing spree. If these two famous pop culture figures could have become characters in a horror film, it’s because the characters had entered the public domain. Two years later, the same goes for Mickey and Minnie. Both characters entered the public domain on January 1, 2024 and can therefore be used freely in works.
It should be noted that we are talking about the first version of Mickey Mouse, present in the animated short film Steambot Williereleased in 1928. Directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, this is the first sound appearance of Mickey Mouse in which he is seen piloting a steamboat. Its appearance is slightly different from what we know today.. He is thinner, mischievous and doesn’t have white gloves. Minnie is there too.
A few hours after the arrival of the Mickey Mouse version Steambot Willie in the public domain, we learn that he will already be the protagonist of two horror films.
Mickey Mouse, the serial killer
Director Steven LaMorte is currently preparing a horror comedy adapted from Walt Disney’s animated short, produced by the team behind the horror saga Terrorize. In this movie, a sadistic Mickey Mouse will torment a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers. Filming is expected to begin next spring.
In a press release (via Variety), the director said:
Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath this cheerful exterior lies the potential for pure, uncontrolled terror. This is a project I’ve always dreamed of and I can’t wait to present this twisted version of this beloved character.
Another horror movie featuring Mickey Mouse has already been filmed, and a first trailer was revealed just hours after the character arrived in the public domain. Titled Mickey’s Mousetrap, takes place in an amusement parkand presents the mouse as a serial killer who attacks young people:
Disney still remains vigilant
Although the Steambot Willie version of Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain, Disney still owns the rights to the contemporary version of Mickey Mouse, the Disneyland parks mascot. And the company intends to be very vigilant regarding the use of this cult figure:
Of course, we will continue to protect our rights to more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright. We will also work to prevent consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey Mouse and our other iconic characters.
The Walt Disney Company said in a statement. The director of the horror comedy based on Steambot Willie they said their lawyers are working to make sure they respect their rights, to avoid any legal problems that could cost them dearly.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
