The Austin Chronicle is an independent, locally owned and operated alternative newsweekly that reflects the heart and soul of Austin, Texas.
“Steamboat Willie,” the short film that introduced the world to Mickey Mouse in 1928, entered the public domain in 2024 – a green light for this grisly, decidedly not-Disney-sanctioned horror film that purports to tell the origin story of the beloved cartoon character.
This article appears in February 14 • 2025.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
