Unleashing Horror: 'Steamboat Willie' Enters the Public Domain

The iconic 1928 version of Mickey Mouse from "Steamboat Willie" has now entered the public domain, opening the floodgates for creative minds to explore darker, unconventional interpretations of the beloved character. Indie horror producers, led by Steven LaMorte, are seizing this opportunity to craft a unique horror-comedy based on Mickey's cartoon debut, promising audiences a thrilling and twisted take on the cheerful rodent.

Scheduled to commence production in the spring, the untitled horror-comedy will be directed by Steven LaMorte, known for his previous work on "The Mean One," a horror parody of the Grinch. LaMorte expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential for pure, unhinged terror hidden beneath the cheerful exterior of "Steamboat Willie."

In a press release, LaMorte stated, "Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror. 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."

LaMorte, in an interview, emphasized the love and respect he holds for the original characters, clarifying that the intention is not to ruin or exploit them but to present them in a new light. He sees filmmakers as kids in a sandbox, playing with beloved characters in unconventional ways to bring fresh perspectives to the audience.

With Disney's copyright to "Steamboat Willie" and the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse expiring, LaMorte and his team are working diligently with a legal team to ensure their production stays within legal boundaries. Disney, despite losing copyright to the 1928 version, still holds rights to more recent iterations of Mickey Mouse, and the company has expressed its intent to protect its trademarks and guard against unauthorized uses.

"We are doing our due diligence to make sure there's no question or confusion of what we're up to. This is our version of a public domain character. It's a scary thrill ride with heart and humor, based on this character that everybody knows," LaMorte affirmed.

The film will not explicitly name the character "Mickey Mouse" but will go by the title "Steamboat Willie." This creative decision aims to maintain a distinction between the classic character and the unique interpretation presented in the film.

LaMorte's previous horror parody, "The Mean One," grossed approximately $1 million in theaters worldwide in 2022. The producers from that film, including LaMorte, Amy Schumacher, and Martine Melloul, are collaborating with Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy, producers of "Terrifier 2," a film that grossed $15 million.