Disney’s copyright to “Steamboat Willie” expired Monday, along with its right to the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, though the company still holds copyrights for more modern versions of these iconic characters. “Steamboat Willie” is an animated short from 1928 that is widely considered the debut of Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters, however, Mickey doesn’t look the same as the modern versions of the cartoon. According to NPR, “he’s more rascally and rough.”
Independent filmmaker Steven LaMorte released a statement announcing his intentions to capitalize on this new development by making Mickey the main character in a horror flick.
“Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror,” LaMorte said in a press release, per the outlet. “It’s a project I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to unleash this twisted take on this beloved character to the world.”
[Meh. I’ll wait for a cinematic version of Robert Armstrong’s ‘Mickey Rat,’ a(n in)famous underground comic series. His imagery is clearly based on the Steamboat Willie version of MM. — Ed]
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