"Mickey Mouse Terrorizes Screens in Public Domain-Inspired Slasher Film"

A new horror film titled "Mickey's Mouse Trap" and a horror game called "Infestation 88" have been unveiled, featuring early versions of Mickey Mouse, as Disney's copyright on the character from the 1928 "Steamboat Willie" expired on January 1, 2024. These early versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse have entered the public domain in the US, allowing creatives to use them without permission or cost. The film and game join a trend of transforming childhood characters into horror icons, following the release of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." Disney maintains trademark rights on modern versions of Mickey as a brand identifier.