Disney Announces ‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse: Steamboat Silly’
Today at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney revealed that the final episode of the Emmy Award-winning show The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse will be coming to Disney+ on July 28, 2023.
The series will conclude with an episode titled “Steamboat Silly,” which follows Mickey Mouse and his friends as they try to stop hundreds of old film reel versions of Mickey from wreaking havoc all over town. The episode will not only celebrate the history of Mickey, but it will tie into the ongoing Disney100 celebration.


Photo: Disney
Related To Mickey’s Trademark?
Interstingly, the debut of the cartoon, which will prominently feature the famous Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse, comes as the character’s trademark is set to expire in 2024.
While reports often state that the copyright protecting Mickey Mouse is expiring next year, it is actually the specific Mickey Mouse featured in Steamboat Willie that is expected to hit public domain.


Photo: D23
Under current copyright law, Disney, which still holds copyright over Mickey Mouse in other forms, would be protected from “consumer confusion.” Sice people will assume that Mickey Mouse art came from Disney, anyone attempting to use the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey would have limited options.
Essentially, they could not use the character in any capacity where consumers would think that the product was coming from Disney.
By reintroducing Steamboat Willie in a new cartoon, Disney is further cementing the link between the character and the company in the minds of consumers. This may allow Disney to continue to better protect their character, even after the copyright expires.


Photo: Disney
Regardless of the controversy surrounding Mickey’s copyright status, I for one am glad to see Disney using Steamboat Willie again.
See The Trailer
Finally, if you haven’t seen the trailer for The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse: Steamboat Silly!
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