Mickey Mouse Enters Public Domain, Inspiring Horror Films and Games

Disney's Original Character Now Subject to Unconventional Interpretations

Mickey Mouse's original version, Steamboat Willie, has entered the public domain, leading to the creation of horror films and games featuring the character.
Among the first projects to feature the character are a horror game called 'Infestation 88' by Nightmare Forge and a British slasher film titled 'Mickey's Mouse Trap'.
Disney's copyright on the original version of Mickey Mouse expired on January 1, 2024, but the company still holds the copyright for the later, more familiar versions of the character.
Disney has stated that it will protect its rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and other iconic characters.
Previous horror adaptations of public domain characters, such as 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey', have proven financially successful despite critical panning.