Entering the public domain, the first version of Mickey becomes a horror film character

While the first sound-animated short film of the iconic Walt Disney character has just entered the public domain, two independent horror films featuring Mickey Mouse have just been announced.

Copyright of the cartoon Willie’s Steamboat, a 1928 black and white short film that made Mickey famous, expired Monday January 1, 2023, after 95 years, under American law. NOTAny filmmaker or fan can now freely copy, share, reuse or adapt the image of the characters appearing there, including Mickey and his companion Minnie.

The Disney empire may be keeping watch after taking measures to protect its emblematic character, but some gore lovers have not hesitated to rush into the legal mouse hole offered to them.

A masked killer and a sadistic mouse

Announced barely 24 hours after Willie’s Steamboat has fallen into the public domain, the film Mickey’s Mouse Trap was announced. It promises to follow a masked killer disguised as Mickey as he stalks a group of young friends through an arcade. “We just wanted to have fun with it all“, explained the director of Mickey’s Mouse Trap, Jamie Bailey. “It’s the Mickey of Willie’s Steamboat who murders people. It’s ridiculous.” This low-budget horror film is expected to be released in March.

A second feature film will also delve into horror, with a sadistic mouse attacking innocent passengers on a ferry. Director Steven LaMorte – known for The Mean Onea 2022 horror film inspired by Grinch – told the magazine Variety that he was working on his own”twisted interpretation” by Mickey. Production, which does not yet have a title, is scheduled to begin in the spring. “Willie’s Steamboat has brought joy to generations, but beneath that joyous exterior lies a potential for pure, disordered terror“, said the director in a press release. “This is a project I’ve been dreaming of and I can’t wait to deliver this twisted interpretation of this beloved character“, he added, specifying that his version will not be devoid of humor and that Mickey will be named Steamboat Willie.

Disney is closely monitoring adaptations

Both projects recall the release of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honeyan independent production that hit the headlines after the copyright of the first Winnie the Pooh books expired.

The entire industry knows, however, that Disney closely monitors adaptations of its character and will not hesitate to call on its lawyers if someone crosses the line. Because only the first version of Mickey, a skinny and mischievous mouse in black and white, is in the public domain. The colorful, rounder, more personable character of later films like Fantasy is not free of rights. Additionally, trademark protection means that any film or product that could mislead consumers into thinking it was made by Disney can be prosecuted.

In a recent press release, the multinational Disney assured that it “continues to protect (its) rights to newer versions of Mickey and other works remaining protected by copyright“. But Steven LaMorte is not afraid to play cat and mouse. “We try to make sure there is no doubt or confusion about what we are doing.”he explained to Variety. “This is our version of a public domain character”.