On January 1, 2023, “Steamboat Willie,” the 1928 short film featuring early versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, entered the public domain in the United States. This landmark event allows creators to use and remix these iconic characters without paying royalties or seeking permission. The Web3 community swiftly capitalized on this development, witnessing a surge in Steamboat Willie-themed NFTs and meme tokens.

One notable NFT release was a Manifold edition of a still from the film, featuring Mickey at the wheel of his steamboat. Created by Truth Labs co-founder Alexander Taub, the 2000-count edition quickly sold out, reaching a floor price of 0.4 ETH on January 1. Topping OpenSea’s volume chart, the edition boasts zero royalties, trading over 611 ETH in volume as of January 2.

Various NFT artists and luminaries, including calligrapher Sarah Script and Beeple, celebrated the occasion with their own interpretations of Mickey Mouse. The entry of “Steamboat Willie” into the public domain resonated strongly within the NFT community, highlighting themes of creative freedom and control.

In the United States, copyright expiration occurs after 95 years, making iconic works like “Steamboat Willie” significant additions to the public domain in 2023. For Disney, whose characters’ copyright was extended twice in Congress, this event carries symbolic weight. The NFT community sees it as an exciting opportunity for creative possibilities and a nod to the pioneering spirit that has fueled the NFT space.

However, some observers emphasize the importance of originality and creative exploration within the public domain, cautioning against merely replicating frames from the film. Alongside the NFT releases, Steamboat Willie-themed meme tokens, such as $WILLIE and $MICKEY, emerged, further adding a layer of excitement to the community.