By Maria Bregman
The year 2024 will mark a historic moment for Disney, the world’s largest and most prominent entertainment company, as it will have to say goodbye to its oldest friend, Mickey Mouse. Well, not the Mickey Mouse that we all know and love, but rather his original Steamboat Willie persona, a rat-like figure with spindly legs that debuted in the groundbreaking 1928 movie of the same name, directed by Walt Disney himself. On January 1, 2024, Steamboat Mickey, along with his shipmate Minnie, will enter the public domain, after 95 years of being under Disney’s exclusive control. This means that anyone will be able to use them without paying royalties or seeking permission from Disney, as long as they do not infringe on the trademarks or other rights that Disney still holds on the later versions of Mickey and Minnie.
This is a significant loss for Disney, which has built its empire and brand on the popularity and appeal of Mickey Mouse, who is widely regarded as the most recognizable and beloved character in the world. Disney has fought hard to preserve its ownership of Steamboat Mickey, lobbying for several extensions of the copyright term in the US and abroad, and suing or threatening anyone who dared to use or parody him without authorization. Disney has also invested heavily in creating and promoting new works featuring Mickey and Minnie, such as the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV series, the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride, and the upcoming Mickey and Minnie’s Wish Upon a Coin animated film.
However, Disney will not be able to stop the public from enjoying and expressing their creativity with Steamboat Mickey, who will become a common cultural asset that anyone can access and share. This will open up new possibilities and opportunities for artists, fans, educators, and entrepreneurs, who will be able to create and distribute works featuring Steamboat Mickey, such as books, comics, games, videos, merchandise, and more. Some of these works may be respectful and faithful to the original character, while others may be critical or humorous, offering new perspectives and interpretations of Steamboat Mickey. Some of these works may even challenge or compete with Disney’s own products and services, forcing the company to innovate and adapt to the changing market and consumer preferences.
The expiration of Steamboat Mickey’s copyright is also symbolic of the turbulent times that Disney is facing in its centenary year, as it struggles to cope with the challenges and changes brought by the pandemic, the technology, and the society. Disney has been involved in a bruising culture war with Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis, who has opposed Disney’s policies and practices regarding LGBTQ+ rights, vaccine mandates, and mask requirements. Disney has also suffered financial losses from its streaming service Disney+, which has failed to meet its growth and revenue targets, and has faced fierce competition from rivals such as Netflix, Amazon, and HBO. Disney has also experienced a series of movie flops, such as Jungle Cruise, Eternals, and West Side Story, which have underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Despite these difficulties, Disney still has many strengths and advantages that it can leverage to overcome its problems and maintain its leadership and reputation in the entertainment industry. Disney has a loyal and passionate fan base that spans generations and cultures, and that values and supports its quality and diversity of content and experiences. Disney has a vast and rich portfolio of intellectual property and franchises, such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic, that it can exploit and expand across multiple platforms and formats. Disney has a talented and visionary team of executives, creatives, and employees, who are committed to delivering excellence and innovation in everything they do. Disney has a legacy and a mission of creating happiness and magic for millions of people around the world, who look up to Disney as a source of inspiration and joy.
As Disney prepares to bid farewell to Steamboat Mickey, it should also celebrate and honor his contribution and influence to the company and the culture. Steamboat Mickey was the first sound cartoon, the first appearance of Mickey and Minnie, and the first step in Walt Disney’s journey to become the pioneer and legend of animation and entertainment. Steamboat Mickey represents the spirit and values of Disney: creativity, imagination, adventure, and fun. Steamboat Mickey is not only a character, but also a symbol and a legacy, that will live on in the hearts and minds of the public, who will now have more freedom and opportunity to enjoy and express their love and appreciation for him. Steamboat Mickey is not leaving Disney, but rather joining the world.