Mickey Mouse Horror Movie Announced After Disney Loses 'Steamboat Willie' Copyright
Mickey Mouse is set to star in two horror films.
A day after "Steamboat Willie" entered the public domain Monday, filmmaker Steven LaMorte revealed plans to direct an untitled horror-comedy film based on Disney's 1928 short, which marked Mickey Mouse's cartoon debut.
The upcoming movie will center on a sadistic mouse named "Steamboat Willie" who torments unsuspecting ferry passengers, Variety reported.
The film will begin shooting in the spring.
LaMorte, known for his horror parody "The Mean One" based on the Grinch, expressed his excitement for the project.
"'Steamboat Willie' has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror," said LaMorte in a press release.
He emphasized that the project aims to showcase a new perspective on the iconic character while respecting its legacy.
LaMorte's announcement came a day after the release of a trailer for another horror-comedy film featuring the cartoon character.
Directed by Jamie Bailey, the synopsis for "Mickey's Mouse Trap" revealed that the film will revolve around Alex's 21st birthday celebration at an amusement arcade, where a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse turns the occasion into a deadly game.
The trailer featured a Mickey Mouse-costumed killer in a Chuck E. Cheese-type setting.
"A place for fun, a place for friends, a place for hunting. The mouse is out," a message in the teaser said.
In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Bailey described the upcoming movie as "ridiculous."
"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 director said.
A premiere date has yet to be announced for "Mickey's Mouse Trap," but it is expected to be released in March.
Despite the public domain status of the original "Steamboat Willie," Disney maintains copyrights for later versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
The company has expressed its intent to protect its trademarks, warning against any unauthorized use that might cause confusion or imply endorsement.
LaMorte assured that his team is working closely with a legal team to ensure compliance with copyright laws.
"This is our version of a public domain character. It's a scary thrill ride with heart and humor, based on this character that everybody knows," he stated.
The movies follow the success of last year's horror film "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey," which emerged after A.A. Milne's original Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain.
