Mickey, Minnie, And Tigger Are Days Away From Entering The Public Domain

Each December, we look at the creative works that will be added to the public domain in the following year.

In years past, the articles often focused on characters and works which were historically important, but whose presence in the public domain wasn’t likely to affect modern filmmaking.

That’s no longer the case, however, and each year seems to see a larger number of relevant books, plays, characters, and musical compositions become available for public use. On January 1, 2024, one of the most recognizable fictional couples in the world will join the ranks of the publicly exploitable, along with a number of other noteworthy characters, books, and songs.

Mickey and Minnie

Last year, we published a detailed explanation of what will happen when Disney’s Steamboat Willie, the silent version, hits the public domain in 2024. In short, Mickey and Minnie Mouse both debuted in that film, so those versions of the characters will enter the public domain and become fair use for artists who want to include them in their work.

Tigger

A.A. Milne’s book Winnie-the-Pooh, illustrated by E.H. Shepard, entered the public domain in 2022, which lead to this year’s horror adaptation Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, a film that grossed an impressive $4.9 million at the global box office. This year, Milne’s book The House at Pooh Corner turns 95, and that story contains the first appearance of Tigger. That means the book’s bouncy character will be fair game for artists to use as they see fit. Could there be a blood-soaked Blood and Honey sequel starring a ravenous jungle cat on the horizon?

Musical Compositions

Filmmakers looking for popular music to use in their work will see several notable compositions and recordings become available next month. Among them are Mark Fisher, Joe Goodwin, and Larry Shay’s “When You’re Smiling”; Bert Kalmer, Herbert Stothart, and Harry Ruby’s “I Wanna Be Loved By You” from the musical Good Boy; and Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)” from the musical Paris.