Mickey Mouse becomes a murderer after the public domain. (Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/Into Frame Productions)
Mickey Mouse barely came into the public eye before he became a murderer… After Winnie the Pooh became a serial killer in “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey”, the Walt Disney Company's famous mouse appeared this Monday (1st) and she terrorized a group of young people in the trailer for the new film “Mickey’s Mousetrap.”
The company's copyright on one of the first versions of the character, from 1928, expired in early 2024. Under US law, domains over a work of art can be maintained for 95 years. However, the latest versions of Mickey continue to be owned and protected by Disney. However, the original appearance of the mouse can be used in various productions, recreated and even sold without restrictions.
The first version of Mickey Mouse, in “Steamer Willie,” entered the public domain. (Photo: Disclosure/Disney)
The Jamie Baileydirected horror film shows some young people having fun in an arcade and then being tormented by a murderer who uses the character's head. “It's Alex's 21st birthday, but she's stuck working the night shift at the arcade, 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 “that she has to survive,” informs the summary.
The film, which stars Sophie McIntosh, Callum Sywyk, Allegra Nocita, Ben Harris, Damir Kovic, Mackenzie Mills, Nick Biskupek and Simon Phillips, does not have a release date. However, in a statement to Variety, the filmmakers hope the film will be released in March. Check out the trailer:
According to Variety, Steven LaMorte is also set to direct an asyetuntitled horror comedy based on Mickey. In it, a sadistic rat will torment a group of passengers on a ferry. Production is expected to begin in the first half of the year. “'Steamer Willie' has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies the potential for pure, unbridled terror.” It's a project I've dreamed of, and I can't wait to share this twisted vision of this beloved one with the world character,” he said in a statement to the outlet.
The director already has experience in this field. He directed “The Mean One,” a horror parody of The Grinch released in 2022. “It all comes from our love for these characters. Filmmakers, we are all children in the sand playground. We love picking them up and playing with them in different ways. It's not about the desire to ruin these characters or make a quick buck, but about loving them, honoring them and showing them in a new light,” explained LaMorte, who coproduced with Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy plus a legal team to make sure everyone follows the law.
“We carry out due diligence to ensure there is no doubt or confusion about what we do. This is our version of a public domain character. “It's a scary and exciting journey, with heart and humor, based on this character that everyone knows,” added the director, who instead of calling the character Mickey in his film, called him “Vapor Willie.”
In time, the mouse was also announced as the villain of Nightmare Forge's horror game Infestation 88. The company reported that the character will be one of the monstrous creatures that players will have to face amid “dark plagues.” The game does not yet have a release date. Check out the trailer: