The "Steamboat Willie" version of Disney icon Mickey Mouse just entered the public domain, and there's already an explosion of related AI-generated art. We talked to some of the creators behind it.

The organist began to play. A dark screen appeared with the title “Plane Crazy” in white letters. The audience met a black mouse as he attempted to become an aviator.

In Steamboat Willie, Mickey has no gloves; as of 1929, he does. In Steamboat Willie, Mickey is rendered in black and white; in 1935, he is colorized.

Mickey Mouse is finally in the public domain. Here’s what that means. The earliest ‘Steamboat Willie’ Mickey is now public — along with Minnie, Tigger and works by Keaton, Lawrence and Woolf ...

For example, the Mickey Mouse that just became public domain at the start of 2024 is known as "Steamboat Willie." This iteration of the character cannot speak, has a long tail, does not have ...

What could happen to the original version of Mickey Mouse and others after they entered the public domain on Jan. 1? Hint: think Winnie the Pooh wielding a sledgehammer.