Disney confirms Mickey Mouse horror film 'Steamboat Willie'

Disney announced Steamboat Willie, a horror film, after the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse was unveiled on Monday, January 1, 2024.

As reported by Variety, indie horror film producers are not wasting any time capitalizing on this version of Mickey Mouse. Its production is expected to begin in Spring.

Steven LaMorte will direct the untitled horror-comedy. Mickey’s character would play a sadistic mouse who would torment a group of unaware ferry passengers.

In a press release the director said, “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 of, and I can’t wait to unleash this twisted take on this beloved character to the world,” LaMorte further added.

Clarifying that they have no intention of ruining Mickey Mouse for the children, he said, “It all comes from our love of these characters. Filmmakers — we’re all kids in the sandbox. We love taking them and playing with them in different ways. It’s not a desire to ruin these characters or make a quick buck, but to love them and honor them and show them in a new light.”

Even though, Disney‘s copyright to Steamboat Willie expired on Monday along with its right to the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse but it still holds copyrights for more familiar versions of the characters.

Disney has said that it will also be vigilant in defending its trademarks are working with a legal team to make sure they stay well within the law. The company could sue over any perceived endorsement or affiliation with its brand.

In fact in the upcoming film, the character will not even be called “Mickey Mouse.” Instead, he will go by the name "Steamboat Willie".

“We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright, and we will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and our other iconic characters,” Disney said in a statement last month.