At this point, we’re all aware of the copyright loss the Walt Disney Company will face everyone’s favorite iconic character Mickey Mouse. The popular mouse who started it all is destined for the public domain—particularly, the Steamboat Willie version of him. As we’ve reported previously, and as has been making the rounds, the mouse that started it all will lose its special protection in January of 2024 per United States copyright law.
It’s even become popular enough news that the show host of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver, did a special segment on the Mickey Mouse copyright and brought on a character inspired by the Steamboat Willie original, practically egging on Disney’s lawyers to take a stand. (All in good fun, of course.)
But can we truly ever find a day where we don’t associate our favorite official mascot Mickey Mouse with the Disney brand?
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Disney is certainly doing its best to reiterate time and again that the Disney character Mickey Mouse—no matter which era—will always be associated wholly and completely with them. Whether that’s with constantly upgrading the Guest experience at the Parks of Mickey Mouse character meets ‘n’ greets or with their new upcoming game, Disney Illusion Island.
Launching on July 28 as a Nintendo Switch exclusive game, Disney Illusion Island is a new 2D platformer starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. Per the outlet Venture Beats, “gameplay focuses entirely on movement. You run and jump through the environment, using maneuvers like wall-climbing and swinging ropes to help you avoid obstacles and collect goodies. Even boss fights are all about platforming.”
The outlet even said it was hopeful this game would give a new generation of Mickey fans a version and game centering Mickey Mouse to obsess over like Castle of Illusion, Mickey’s Magical Quest, and Mickey Mania did for generations before. While it’s unclear what the full impact of Disney losing rights to the original Mickey will be, it’s clear that the Mouse House is intent on demonstrating that no one can do Mickey quite like Disney can.