The ever-lovable Mickey Mouse is about to get even scarier.
On the same day that the earliest iteration of Disney’s most famous cartoon character entered the public domain, two films have been revealed that take a horror twist on the character’s sensibilities.
Leading things off is the official teaser for Mickey Mouse Trapa horror film based on Mickey Mouse from 1928 Steamboat Williewhich was released via YouTube on Monday.
A scene from the movie ‘Mickey’s Mouse Trap’.
Into Frame Productions
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Footage from the upcoming film, which is expected to be released in March 2024, shows a group of teenagers in an arcade stumbling through a blood-soaked jungle gym before switching to a reel-to-reel projector that gruesomely shows clips from Steamboat Willie, the Walt Disney short that first introduced Mickey Mouse to the world. The following scenes show an individual dressed as Mickey Mouse on a seemingly murderous rampage through an arcade.
Mickey Mouse Trap directed by Jamie Bailey and produced by Bailey Phillips. In the description below the film’s teaser, the creators wrote “THIS IS NOT IT [sic] DISNEY FILM OR PRODUCTION. NOT ASSOCIATED OR ENDORSED BY DISNEY IN ANY WAY. This movie uses only the public domain Steam Boat Willie Mickey Mouse. Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse entered the public domain on January 1, 2024. There is no copyright infringement of later versions of Mickey Mouse or trademark infringement.”
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Tracking Mickey Mouse Trap was the announcement of a second, untitled film based on the Mickey Mouse character from Steamboat Willie. This project, which has nothing to do with Mickey Mouse Trapsees a mouse tormenting passengers on a ferry.
In a press release he received Diversity, Steven LaMorte, the director of the second film, has made it clear that his character will not be identified as Mickey Mouse or make any Disney references. “We’re making sure there’s no doubt or confusion about what we’re up to,” he said, noting that the producers are working with the legal team to ensure they stay within the law. “This is our version of a public domain character. It’s a terrifying thrill ride with heart and humor, based on this character everyone knows.”
By entering the public domain on Monday, Disney lost the copyright protections that allowed the studio full control Steamboat Willie and that film version of the Mickey Mouse character from 1928. Disney still retains copyright protection on later, more recognizable iterations of Mickey Mouse.
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“Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies the potential for pure, wanton terror,” LaMorte added, according to the publication. “It’s a project I’ve been dreaming of and I can’t wait to bring this twisted take on this beloved character to the world.”
Production on LaMorte’s project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024.
Disney can still sue for any perceived endorsement or association with its brand.
In a statement shared with Diversity in December, the company said: “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright, and we will work to protect consumers from confusion caused by unauthorized use of Mickey and our other iconic characters .”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education