What’s entering the public domain in 2026: Thousands of classic works now free to use

As 2026 begins, so does a new chapter for creativity. Thousands of books, films, songs and works of art from the early 20th ...
The York Dispatch

Screamboat Willie? Mickey Mouse horror films lurk as cartoon enters public domain

LOS ANGELES — Who's the newest horror star that's coming to the screen? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. At least two Mickey Mouse-inspired horror movies have been announced since 1928's "Steamboat Willie" — ...
NBC News

Mickey Mouse copyright expiration inspires horror movies, video games and memes

Mickey Mouse will appear in new, non-Disney creative works after 95 years of copyright protection of the character expired on Jan. 1. With this, early versions of Mickey Mouse are now part of the ...
Superhero Hype

Popeye Artist Releases New Mickey Mouse Web Comic Based on Steamboat Willie

The release of Steamboat Willie into the public domain has resulted in numerous Mickey Mouse adjacent projects going into production. Most of these are horror themed, with two horror movies and a ...
The Columbian

Screamboat Willie? Mickey Mouse horror films lurk as 1928 Disney cartoon enters public domain

LOS ANGELES — Who’s the newest horror star that’s coming to the screen? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. At least two Mickey Mouse-inspired horror movies have been announced since 1928’s “Steamboat Willie” — ...