Upcoming Noteworthy Works Entering the Public Domain in 2024
Discover the exciting realm of creative works entering public domain in 2024! Explore iconic movies, books, songs, and beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, and Tigger, as they embark on new adventures beyond their original creators' hands
In 2024, iconic movies, books, songs, and characters such as Peter Pan, Tigger, and Mickey Mouse will have entered the public domain. Copyright laws protect creative works, but eventually, they become available for anyone to use.
The early Winnie the Pooh stories by AA Milne have fallen victim to exploitation, as a slasher horror movie titled Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was made as soon as the title character entered the public domain. Similarly, two Mickey Mouse horror movies were announced this week, as one of Disney's most prized possessions entered the public domain. In addition, some notable books, movies, and songs are also affected.
Major works entering public domain in 2024
These are the beloved characters who entered the public domain on January 1, 2024:
- We are looking for the Steamboat Willy versions of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, without the high-pitched voices, white gloves, and red shorts.
- We are interested in Peter Pan from J.M. Barrie’s original stories, not the 1953 musical Disney version.
The public domain this week includes notable books such as the original version of Tigger from A.A. Milne's stories, as seen in 'The House at Pooh Corner', not the Disney version.
–The Mystery of the Blue Train (featuring Hercule Poirot) by Agatha Christie
–Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf
–Lady Chatterly’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
–Dark Princess by W.E.B. Du Bois
–Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág
–Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh
–The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
–All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
–Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille
Major movies that entered the public domain in 2024:
–The Cameraman (starring Buster Keaton)
–Should Married Men Go Home? (starring Laurel and Hardy)
–The Circus (starring Charlie Chaplin)
–Speedy (starring Harold Lloyd)
–The Passion of Joan of Arc
–Lights of New York
–Irish Rose
–Noah’s Ark
–In Old Arizona
–The Man Who Laughs
Music that entered the public domain on January 1:
–‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ by Herbert Stothart and Harry Ruby
–‘Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)’ by Cole Porter
–‘Makin’ Whoopee!’ by Gus Khan and Walter Donaldson
–‘When You’re Smiling’ by Mark Fisher, Joe Goodwin, and Larry Shay
–‘Mack the Knife’ (in German) by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
These are all in US public domain, but to see what became available elsewhere on January 1, 2024, head here.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of classic literature and animation, I am both excited and apprehensive about the upcoming entry of iconic works into the public domain in 2024. On one hand, it is thrilling to think about the creative possibilities that will open up as these beloved characters and stories become accessible to a wider range of artists and creators. The potential for new interpretations, adaptations, and homages is truly inspiring.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a sense of trepidation about the potential for exploitation and misuse of these cherished works. The recent examples of horror movies based on Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse serve as cautionary tales of how beloved characters can be distorted and repurposed in ways that may not align with their original intentions or the values they represent. It is crucial to strike a balance between creative freedom and respect for the integrity and legacy of these works.
