The iconic character takes a dark turn in two new horror films

  • Mickey Mouse from ‘Steamboat Willie’ enters public domain
  • Two horror films featuring Mickey Mouse announced
  • Low-budget and campy slasher movies
  • No release date set for ‘Mickey’s Mouse Trap’
  • Second movie to be directed by Steven LaMorte
  • Public allowed to use only initial versions of Mickey and Minnie

The earliest version of Mickey Mouse, from the iconic ‘Steamboat Willie,’ has entered the public domain, and it’s already causing a stir. Two horror films featuring Mickey Mouse have been announced, with the first one titled ‘Mickey’s Mouse Trap.’ Directed by Jamie Bailey, the film showcases a comically small Mickey mask terrorizing a group of young people at an arcade. The second film, directed by Steven LaMorte, is yet to be titled but promises a late-night boat ride turning into a fight for survival in New York City. With the expiration of the copyright, the public is only allowed to use the initial versions of Mickey and Minnie, not the more familiar designs. The filmmakers are taking precautions to avoid any legal issues with Disney, including renaming the character ‘Steamboat Willie’ instead of Mickey Mouse.

Public Companies: Disney (DIS)
Private Companies:
Key People: Walt Disney (Director), Ub Iwerks (Director), Jamie Bailey (Director), Steven LaMorte (Director)


Factuality Level: 6
Justification: The article provides information about the release of Mickey Mouse into the public domain and the announcement of two horror films featuring the character. The information about the films and their directors is accurate. However, the article includes some unnecessary background information about Winnie the Pooh and a horror parody of ‘The Grinch’ that is not relevant to the main topic. The article also includes some opinion from the directors of the films, which may be subjective. Overall, the article provides factual information but includes some tangential details and subjective statements.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides information about the release of Mickey Mouse into the public domain and the announcement of two horror films featuring the character. However, the article lacks depth and analysis, and it does not explore the consequences or implications of these developments. It also contains irrelevant information about Winnie the Pooh and a horror parody of ‘The Grinch.’ Overall, the article is mostly filler content and does not provide meaningful insights or valuable knowledge.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The news article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com