The Unrestricted Access to the Original Peter Pan
Peter Pan, the iconic character known for his eternal youth and magical adventures, has now entered the public domain However, this only applies to the original version created by JM Barrie, captivating readers for generations with his timeless tale
This week, Peter Pan has officially entered the public domain, as JM Barrie's iconic creation is no longer protected by copyright. Additionally, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have also entered the public domain, albeit only in the versions featured in the 1928 animated shorts Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy.
Mickey Mouse, the famous creation and mascot of the Disney company, generated significant interest with the announcement, especially since a trailer for a Mickey Mouse slasher film was released shortly after. Another beloved character with a long and storied history with Disney also entered the public domain this week.
The original Peter Pan is now in the public domain
As of January 1, 2024, the original Peter Pan – from JM Barrie’s 1904 play about the character’s adventures in Neverland – is now in the public domain.
The character could have been accessible earlier, but the script for the play was not released until 1928, specifically for copyright reasons, causing the delay. Similar to Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willy, only this initial version of Peter Pan is accessible for those who wish to use the character. This means that Disney's 1953 musical adaptation, along with everything it contributed to Peter Pan's story, is still protected.
Who is Peter Pan?
JM Barrie is well known for generously giving the copyright for Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street, a children's hospital in London. This arrangement is protected by a 1988 Act of Parliament, guaranteeing that Great Ormond Street will continue to receive royalties indefinitely.
JM Barrie created Peter Pan around the turn of the 20th century, often considered to be loosely inspired by his late older brother David, who passed away in an ice-skating accident the day before his 14th birthday. The character made his first appearance in the novel The Little White Bird in 1902. Despite JM Barrie's lack of a full physical description, Peter Pan is known for his ability to fly and his eternal youth.
The character was featured in the play 'Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up,' which debuted in London's West End in 1904. This story was later developed into the 1911 novel Peter and Wendy, which explores Pan's escapades with Wendy Darling and her brothers John and Michael, as well as other characters such as Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys.
In 1912, a statue of the character was installed in Kensington Gardens and still stands today. For updates on new Peter Pan projects, stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the new Mickey Mouse horror movie, titled Mickey’s Mouse Trap.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Peter Pan, I am thrilled that the original version of this beloved character has finally entered the public domain. This means that anyone can now create their own interpretations and adaptations of Peter Pan without having to worry about copyright restrictions. I can't wait to see what new and exciting takes on this classic tale will emerge in the years to come.
I also appreciate the fact that JM Barrie generously gave the copyright for Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital. This ensures that the hospital will continue to receive royalties from the character's use, which is a wonderful way to support such an important institution. I hope that other authors and creators will follow Barrie's example and use their work to benefit charitable causes.
