On January 1, Steamboat Willie, the earliest version of Mickey Mouse, entered the public domain, and to everyone’s surprise, a trailer for a horror film titled “Mickey’s Mouse Trap” was released. The film, directed by Jamie Bailey and written by Simon Phillips, had apparently been in development for some time. The trailer combines classic footage from Steamboat Willie with new scenes that take a chilling turn.
“Mickey’s Mouse Trap” revolves around Alex’s 21st birthday celebration at an amusement arcade. Stuck on a late shift, Alex’s friends decide to surprise her, only to find themselves in a nightmare orchestrated by a killer wearing a Mickey Mouse mask. The trailer promises a suspenseful and intense experience as the friends must navigate a deadly game to survive the night.
Despite Steamboat Willie entering the public domain, Disney has asserted that this doesn’t impact modern versions of Mickey Mouse, which has undergone significant changes since its debut.
The release of the “Mickey’s Mouse Trap” trailer raises interesting legal and perception-related considerations. A clear disclaimer accompanies the trailer, explicitly stating that the film is not affiliated or endorsed by Disney.
This development aligns with the broader trend in the film industry of exploring unconventional takes on classic characters. An example is the recent “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,” a slasher horror remake of AA Milne’s beloved children’s stories, which also entered the public domain last year. This reflects a creative exploration of familiar characters in genres that deviate from their traditional associations.
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