Mickey Mouse’s character from Steamboat Willie and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh are venturing into less familiar territory. Freed from copyright protection, both beloved childhood heroes now find themselves in horror movie sequels.
Mickey’s Earliest Avatar Frees Him Up for a Spooky Appearance
After witnessing the surprise success of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, many keen eyes were fixated on the latest big name to enter the public domain. While Tigger’s recent liberation was noticed, none other than Mickey Mouse swept the title this year – thanks to the expiry of his earliest version from Steamboat Willie.
Disney’s iconic character, best known for his white gloves, red shorts, and big yellow shoes, is still under the company’s control. However, his initial form from Steamboat Willie is now free for anyone to use without seeking permission. The first to jump on this opportunity is a horror movie named Mickey’s Mouse Trap, expected to be an unprecedented portrayal of the character.
The sudden debut of the trailer on YouTube, just hours after Mickey’s public domain status was confirmed on January 1, took viewers by surprise. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Jamie Bailey, the director of Mickey’s Mouse Trap, shared the underlying concept of the film.
“We just wanted to have fun with it all. I mean it’s Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse murdering people. It’s ridiculous. We ran with it and had fun doing it and I think it shows.”
The movie is centered around Alex’s 21st birthday party where friends try surprising her at her late-night amusement arcade shift. However, a sinister game run by a killer dressed as Mickey Mouse is launched too. The cast includes Sophie McIntosh, Callum Sywyk, Allegra Nocita, Ben Harris, Damir Kovic, Mackenzie Mills, Nick Biskupek, and Simon Phillips; although the release date is still unknown.
Tigger from the Hundred-Acre Wood Enters the Spooksville
After Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain last year, viewers were served a new horror film featuring the honey-lover and other characters from A.A. Milne’s books. With additional works entering the public domain this year, it seems Tigger will be bounding into the slasher franchise with an expected sequel due this year.
There were some reservations when it came to using all attributes and characters from Milne’s Pooh stories. Certain aspects unique to the Disney version weren’t allowed, neither was the use of Tigger since he didn’t appear in the original Pooh story. However, these limitations seem to be lifted this year, opening the gate for Tigger’s appearance in the sequel.
Be sure to keep a lookout for these surprising turns in the tales of your childhood favorites. In the meantime, browse more curated movie and TV show collections on HITPLAY.
