The copyright of the popular character, the first Mickey Mouse, expired on January 1, 2024, and became public domain in the United States. This makes it possible to create derivative works of the original Mickey. The one that will be in the public domain is the one from the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” which differs from the modern version in the way the eyes are drawn and, in the gloves, and shoes. In addition, the Mickey Mouse trademark is owned by Disney, even though it is now in the public domain.
In 2023, the release of “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey” a horror film based on “Winnie the Pooh,” whose copyright expired a year earlier, also attracted attention. We may see more films based on Mickey Mouse, who is now in the public domain, in the future. (Marron)
Reference URL:
An early version of Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain (CNN)
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/01/business/mickey-mouse-early-version-copyright-expired/index.html
Altitude Films – Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey
https://www.altitude.film/winnie-the-pooh-blood-and-honey