Steamboat Willie Horror Films Set to Unleash Twisted Mickey Mouse Thrills

HOLLYWOOD, CA - Indie horror producers have seized the opportunity to bring classic animated characters into the world of horror. On Monday, the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse from "Steamboat Willie" entered the public domain, opening the door for filmmakers to create new, twisted versions of the beloved character. But with this newfound freedom comes the need to navigate legal boundaries and potential trademark disputes.

First in line to take advantage of Mickey's public domain status is Steven LaMorte, who is set to direct an untitled horror-comedy based on Mickey’s debut. In this film, a sadistic mouse will terrorize unsuspecting ferry passengers. LaMorte expressed his excitement for this project, emphasizing the potential for "pure, unhinged terror" that lies beneath Mickey's cheerful exterior.

While Disney's copyrights to the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse have expired, the company still holds copyrights for the more familiar versions of the characters and has expressed its intention to defend its trademarks. LaMorte and his team are working diligently with legal advisors to ensure that their film, though based on a public domain character, does not infringe on any existing copyrights.

In addition to LaMorte's project, another public domain horror-comedy titled "Mickey's Mouse Trap," directed by Jamie Bailey, was also announced. This film, set in an amusement arcade, has already been shot and is expected to be released in March. The announcement of these projects signals a trend of indie filmmakers looking to capitalize on the expiration of certain copyrights to create new and unconventional takes on classic characters.

It is important to note that while Mickey's public domain status allows for new creative interpretations, any unauthorized uses of the character or trademarks affiliated with Disney could lead to legal action. As filmmakers continue to work within the boundaries of copyright law, the potential for fresh and innovative storytelling using these iconic characters remains a notable development for the film industry.