The iconic Mickey Mouse has taken a dark and unexpected twist as the copyright on the earliest iteration of the character, Steamboat Willie, officially expired. The trailer for the horror slasher film, “Mickey’s Mouse Trap,” surfaced online on the very day Disney’s 1928 short Steamboat Willie entered the public domain.
Directed by Jamie Bailey, the film revolves around Alex’s 21st birthday celebration, turning an innocent amusement arcade shift into a nightmarish game for survival. A masked killer, donning the familiar Mickey Mouse costume, takes center stage, introducing a chilling narrative that combines horror and comedy.
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The trailer showcases a Scream-like self-awareness, with characters making tongue-in-cheek references to classic horror tropes. The setting, reminiscent of a Chuck E. Cheese-like place, adds an eerie atmosphere, evoking memories of the horror hit “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Bailey commented on the project, stating, “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 cast includes Sophie McIntosh, Callum Sywyk, Allegra Nocita, Ben Harris, Damir Kovic, Mackenzie Mills, Nick Biskupek, and Simon Phillips, with a release date tentatively set for March. Watch the trailer below.
This isn’t the first time a beloved childhood character has taken a dark turn upon entering the public domain. Last year witnessed the release of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,” a horror film inspired by A.A. Milne’s original Winnie the Pooh entering the public domain two years prior. The success of this film has paved the way for a sequel, indicating a growing trend of reinventing classic characters in unconventional genres.
Interestingly, the Mickey Mouse horror trend doesn’t end with “Mickey’s Mouse Trap.” Another project, a first-person action horror game titled “Infestation 88,” features a blood-covered Mickey Mouse as the primary antagonist. Developed by Nightmare Forge, the game explores twisted versions of classic characters and urban legends now in the public domain.
Despite the creative freedom offered by the public domain, both projects emphasize in clear disclaimers that they are not affiliated with or endorsed by Disney. A Disney spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to protecting rights in modern versions of Mickey Mouse, emphasizing the character’s role as a global ambassador for the company.
As audiences witness these unconventional takes on beloved characters, the question arises: Will there be interest in a non-Disneyfied version of Mickey? While last year’s “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey” found success, early indicators suggest a more tepid reception for the Mickey Mouse projects. With online buzz playing a pivotal role, only time will tell if these ventures will capture the imagination of audiences eager for a darker twist on childhood icons.