Mickey Mouse Copyright for Steamboat Willie Version Now in Public Domain and Has Inspired Video Games and a Horror Movie

Mickey Mouse has now officially entered the public domain, or at least the original version of the character that appeared in "Steamboat Willie." This means that Disney no longer has the exclusive rights to that version of its most iconic character as it enters the public domain.

The Disney copyright claim for the "Steamboat Willie" version of Mickey Mouse ended on January 1, 2024. However, Disney stressed that only the original 1928 version of the character has entered the public domain and not the more modern versions.

"More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise," a Disney spokesperson told CNN.

It is noted that the more modern version of Mickey Mouse has some differences from his original 1928 version. This includes the fact that the "Steamboat Willie" Mickey Mouse lacks the modern Mickey Mouse's iconic gloves and oversized shoes. The original Mickey Mouse also had smaller eyes that were just small black ovals without pupils, as opposed to the modern Mickey Mouse which has more "normal" eyes.

As for those seeking to use the older version of Mickey Mouse, Harvard Law School professor Rebecca Tushnet noted, "Whatever you do, to be protected against copyright infringement claims... you really have to be making new stuff and be sure you are basing it on Steamboat Willie."

New Mickey Mouse Horror Movie Announced Soon After 'Steamboat Willie' Entered Public Domain

As expected, as soon as the older version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain, not one, but two horror movies were announced, and both of them star Disney's most iconic character as the villain.

One of which is a horror comedy thriller titled "Mickey Mouse's Trap," a slasher film that features a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse. The film's trailer dropped on January 1, the day the version went into the public domain.

"We wanted the polar opposite of what exists," the movie's producer told the BBC. The film's new trailer also has a text that reads, "A place for fun, a place for friends, a place for hunting. The mouse is out."

A New Mickey Mouse Horror Video Game Also in the Works

Movies are not the only genre that will depict Mickey Mouse as the primary antagonist now that "Steamboat Willie" is in the public domain but also video games, as the upcoming horror game, "Infestation," will feature the iconic cartoon character.

According to PC Gamer. the game was originally announced as "Infestation 88" in reference to its 1988 setting. However, they changed the name after it was pointed out that the number 88 is a neo-Nazi dog whistle. In that game, Mickey will be the prime antagonist.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Infestation: Origins - Official Reveal Trailer - IGN