A slasher film called Mickey’s Mouse Trap has sparked controversy after its trailer was released online. The film, directed and edited by Jamie Bailey and written by Simon Phillips, is inspired by the earliest iteration of one of the world’s beloved children’s characters, Steamboat Willie, which entered the public domain as of 12:01 am on January 1st, 2022. The trailer shows clips of the 1928 animation along with newly-shot footage that tells the story of a killer who wears a mouse mask and stalks college-age kids at an arcade, leaving viewers uneasy and concerned.
The film’s logline is set on Alex’s 21st birthday celebrations at an amusement arcade where her friends decide to surprise her. However, the unexpected visit turns into a nightmare as the killer dressed as Mickey Mouse starts to play his own game with them, forcing them to survive the night. Its release has divided opinions and caused much discussion among the public, with some condemning the filmmakers for capitalizing on a beloved character’s legacy, while others argue that it falls in the public domain and is within their rights to use as inspiration.
However, the largest concern surrounds the legal implications of the film. Disney has maintained possession over Mickey Mouse’s legacy for over nine decades and has been known for protecting their brand and intellectual property.
Disney’s legal team has already warned that the company won’t allow any unauthorized use of their famous character’s image or likeness, especially one that leads consumers to believe it came from Disney or implies as much. The statement came amidst rumors that the company is considering legal action against the filmmakers.
“More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise,” a Disney spokesperson said of the dos and don’ts of the sound-synched film entering the public domain today. “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,” the company added.
As the debate on the legal ramifications of Mickey’s Mouse Trap ensues, it is important to consider the impact it could potentially have on the entertainment industry. The film’s release has already caused public outcry, and this sentiment could further push Disney and other major studios to tighten their grip on their intellectual property, which could deter future filmmakers and limit creative freedom. As such, it remains to be seen whether this film will ultimately be released despite the brewing legal battle.
