The earliest iteration of Mickey Mouse is on a rampage, barely two days in the public domain. Slashed free of Disney’s copyright as of Monday, the iconic character from “Steamboat Willie” is already the focus of two horror films. On Monday, just hours after the 1928 short entered the public domain, a trailer for “Mickey’s Mouse Trap” dropped on YouTube. Another yet-to-be-titled film was announced Tuesday. “Steamboat Willie” featured early versions of both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. With the expiration of the 95-year copyright, the public is allowed to use only the initial versions of Mickey and Minnie instead of the more familiar character designs.
