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Since Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain, an upcoming horror movie tells a brand new, terrifying story about the famous and beloved character. There was a lot of buzz and hype surrounding thehorror movieWinnie The Pooh: Blood And Honeyand there is a huge interest in slasher films telling fresh tales about characters that everyone remembers from their childhoods. Since slasher movies can sometimes feel old and tired, it’s a great idea. There are severalvideo games where players can play as Mickey Mouseand there will also be aMickey Mouse horror gamecalledInfestation 88.
Mickey Mouse’s Trapwill appeal to horror fans and also anyone who feels nostalgic about the iconic Disney mouse. Since the character has always been adorable and heartwarming, it will be fascinating to see Mickey Mouse as a slasher villain.
RELATED:An Evil Mickey Mouse Gets Loose In This Surprisingly Dark Disney Short
Mickey Mouse In The Public Domain
According toBBC.com, the Mickey Mouse character found in the 1928 short filmSteamboat Williebecame part of the public domain on January 1st, 2024. Now, creators can use this specific Mickey Mouse. It will be interesting to see if there are any upcoming TV series or movies featuring this beloved character. Since Mickey Mouse has, of course, been around for so many decades and is such a familiar character, it’s a clever idea to make a horror movie featuring them.
The BBC reported that anyone who wants to use this portrayal of Mickey Mouse doesn’t have to pay for the copyright. However, Disney said that this doesn’t translate to other movies that feature Mickey Mouse, which is an important distinction. Disney said:
“We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright.”
There areother horror movies based on children’s characters, and it seems likely that there will be more in the future. If other characters become part of the public domain, then they are fair game for this kind of storytelling.
Notable Works In The Public Domain In 2024 (According toCBS News):
There is also an upcoming horror movie featuring Bambi calledBambi: The Reckoningsince Bambi is now in the public domain as well. Scott Jeffrey is directing the movie and said in an interview withDread Central, “The film will be an incredibly dark retelling of the 1928 story we all know and love. Finding inspiration from the design used in Netflix’sThe Ritual, Bambi will be a vicious killing machine that lurks in the wilderness. Prepare for Bambi on rabies!”
The Mickey Mouse Horror Movie, Explained
According to Deadline,Mickey Mouse’s Trapis about a twentysomething named Alex who is celebrating their birthday. When she’s upset about working at an arcade, her friend group wants to make the evening more fun for her. Unfortunately for them, however, there is a killer in a Mickey Mouse costume. BBC.com reported thatMickey Mouse’s Trapmight be out in March 2024, but there isn’t a confirmed release date as of now.
Jamie Bailey: director, cinematographer and editor
Simon Phillipps: writer
Although people can guess Mickey Mouse isfunny horror movie villaineven before watching the teaser trailer, this brief look at the upcoming movie does include a chilling scene since being in an arcade with a killer is definitely terrifying. Based on the teaser trailer, though, the movie will have some jokes mixed in with scares. There is a joke about typical horror movie dialogue as a character says “You never say ‘I’ll be right back’ because then you don’t.” While it’s possible that theWinnie The Poohuniverse won’t be interesting foreverand not every horror movie based on a familiar character will work,Mickey Mouse’s Traplooks like an entertaining ride.
According toThe Daily Beast, Jamie Bailey explained ofMickey Mouse’s Trap:
“We just wanted to have fun with it all. I mean it’sSteamboat Willie’sMickey Mouse murdering people. It’s ridiculous. We ran with it and had fun doing it and I think it shows.”
Jamie Bailey worked on several other movies, including 2022’sDeinfluencerand theChristmas horror movieThe Nights Before Christmas, which was released in 2019. Simon Phillipps and Bailey have worked together before as Phillipps wroteThe Nights Before Christmas.Bailey and Phillipps co-wroteDeinfluencer, which tells the story of a cheerleader who a killer forces to play a horrifying game involving social media.
MORE:How To Watch Winnie The Pooh: Blood And Honey
