Now in Public Domain, ‘Mickey Mouse’ Gets a Slasher Film

Our favourite mouse, Mickey, has dived the shadows with the release of a horror comedy flick, ‘Mickey Mouse Trap.’ Departing from the usual upbeat animation, this unforeseen venture coincided with the day Disney’s classic Steamboat Willie entered the public domain.

On the very day Disney’s 1928 classic Steamboat Willie entered the public domain, a spine-chilling trailer emerged, unveiling a horror comedy featuring none other than Mickey Mouse as the antagonist. Dubbed ‘Mickey Mouse Trap,’ the film revolves around Alex’s 21st birthday celebration, taking a nightmarish turn orchestrated by a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse.

Stuck on a late shift at an amusement arcade, Alex becomes the target of a sinister game played by the Mickey Mouse killer. As her friends attempt to surprise her, the masked figure embarks on a chilling pursuit, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of horror hits like ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ with a dash of ‘Scream’ thrown into the mix.

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Directed by Jamie Bailey, ‘Mickey’s Mouse Trap’ promises a unique blend of horror and absurdity. Bailey expressed, “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 film boasts a cast including Sophie McIntosh, Callum Sywyk, Allegra Nocita, Ben Harris, Damir Kovic, Mackenzie Mills, Nick Biskupek and Simon Phillips. While the release date remains uncertain, the producers are eyeing a March debut. The question of distribution platforms and potential partnerships with distributors is yet to be revealed.

The release of ‘Mickey Mouse Trap’ raises questions about potential legal implications. However, a Disney spokesperson clarified that while the original Steamboat Willie entered the public domain, modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other copyrighted works remain under Disney’s protection. The company aims to prevent any unauthorized use that could lead to consumer confusion.

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Accompanying the trailer is a clear disclaimer: “THIS IS NOT A DISNEY FILM OR PRODUCTION. IT IS NOT AFFILIATED OR ENDORSED BY DISNEY IN ANY WAY. This film makes use of Public domain Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse only. Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse entered the public domain on 1st January 2024.”