Our minds will be really confused after watching Steamboat Willie, the terrifying movie that will show the darker side of Mickey Mouse. A few days ago it was announced that the 1928 version of this little mouse that we love so much and that has been part of many people’s lives, became public domain. This means that anyone can use the character’s image, without fear of receiving a lawsuit from Disney. Something like what happened with Winnie the Pooh, who after having a tender image of him, when passed into this condition, they released a terrifying version of him in Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.
So, after announcing it, some did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the situation and finally create works never seen before.
Steamboat Willie: The Mickey Mouse Horror Movie
Steven LaMorte was one of the filmmakers who raised his hand to give us the darker side of Mickey Mouse and we already see everyone complaining about him being “ruining childhoods.” The film, according to the first details, will be named after Steamboat Willie, the same as the title of this character’s debut chapter, when he is sailing on a boat. It will be a horror comedy and will focus on the torment that Mickey will cause to the passengers of a ferry.
When Is the Mickey Mouse Horror Movie Released?
So far not much has been revealed, and we don’t have an exact premiere date; However, they announced that production will begin in spring 2024.
“Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror (…) It’s a project I’ve been dreaming about and I can’t wait to unleash this twisted version of this beloved character to the world,” explained the director.
“Everything arises from our love for these characters (…) Filmmakers: we are all children in the sandbox. We love wearing them and playing with them in different ways. “It is not a desire to ruin these characters or make a quick buck, but to love them, honor them, and show them in a new light,” he added.
Disney Loses Old Version of Mickey Mouse
Although Disney lost the rights to the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, it still has the rights to the most current ones and the rest of the characters. So, the company is determined to defend its brand and could sue for any perceived endorsement or affiliation of its brand. That is why LaMorte will be very careful in this new horror film and will ensure that his legal team complies with the law.
One of the proofs is that in the film, although we will all know that it is Mickey, his name will not be that, he will be named Steamboat Willie.
“We are doing our due diligence to make sure there is no doubt or confusion about what we are doing (…) This is our version of a public domain character. It is a terrifying journey, full of heart and humor, based on this character that everyone knows.”
Without a doubt, this looks like it will be an interesting production, with a lot of blood, a touch of humor, and terror.
This story was written in Spanish by Nayeli Párraga in Cultura Colectiva.
