On New Year’s Day, the first-ever Walt Disney movie featuring the debut of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain. That’s right, Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy, the iconic Mickey and Minnie short films, just sailed into the public domain, joining a treasure trove of 1928 creations now free for all.
And, on the same day, it was announced that the character would be spoofed in an upcoming horror movie titled Mickey’s Mouse Trap. And it seems like fans are not happy with this.
Also Read: ‘Probably for the best’: Disney Might Lose Rights To Mickey Mouse As Copyright Expires Soon
The 1928 Short Steamboat Willie, Featuring Both Mickey and Minnie Mouse Entered Public Domain
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, in their original 1928 Steamboat Willie forms, have officially stepped onto the stage of the public domain! This means those iconic early versions are now free for anyone to use without permission or cost. Cartoonists, filmmakers, and even just folks who love the playful pair can now reimagine and retell their stories.
It’s important to note, however, that Disney emphasized the continued protection of more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain under copyright.
“We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright,” the company said. (Via The Hollywood Reporter)
Also Read: Today’s Dose Of Disney Facts: 25 Surprising Facts About The House Of Mouse
Under U.S. law, copyright protection lasts for 95 years, a duration that was expanded multiple times during Mickey’s life.
Trailer for Mickey Mouse Horror Film Arrives and Fans Are Upset
As soon as the copyright expired for Steamboat Willie, the first trailer for Mickey’s Mouse Trap was released, showcasing a horror comedy film where the beloved Mickey Mouse takes on the role of a menacing killer. The trailer depicts an individual in a Mickey Mouse costume attacking a victim and lurking others within the confines of an amusement park.
Here’s how the film is described:
“It’s Alex’s 21st birthday, but she’s stuck at the amusement arcade on a late shift so her friends decide to surprise her, but a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse decides to play a game of his own with them which she must survive.,” (via The Hollywood Reporter).
“We just wanted to have fun with it all. I mean it’s Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse murdering people,” director Jamie Bailey said.
Also, game studio Nightmare Forge Games said it is making a Mickey-centric horror game titled Infestation 88.
And, it all makes fans upset.
This looks like ass! Worse than Blood and Honey 😭
— RJ (@ResonantJustice) January 2, 2024
I will not be watching
— Chris The Det. ❓ (@NotChrisG1) January 2, 2024
This looks awful 😂😂
— strip club kingz (@Maxkorp) January 2, 2024
The acting is so bad.
— Marcus Aguilar (@MarcusA99023815) January 2, 2024
crazy how y’all always choose the horror route pic.twitter.com/5z5DBONcV3
— Mar❄️ (@platinumdisease) January 2, 2024
The film, which does not have a release date at this time, stars Sophie McIntosh, Callum Sywyk, Allegra Nocita, Ben Harris, Damir Kovic, Mackenzie Mills, Nick Biskupek, and Simon Phillips.
