The Next Characters to Enter the Public Domain [Infographic]

The Next Characters to Enter the Public Domain

Copyright is a legal framework designed to protect creators’ original works, giving them the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt their creations.

This protection typically lasts for a set period, allowing the creator (or their heirs) to control how their works are used. Once this time expires, the work enters the public domain, meaning it can be freely used, shared, and modified by anyone without legal consequences.

In this article, we explore some of the most popular characters whose copyrights are about to expire, based on data compiled from various sources, and provide insight into the broader implications of these changes.

How Does a Character Enter the Public Domain?

The duration of copyright protection is influenced by the laws of each country, but in the United States, it generally lasts for 70 years after the creator’s death, or 95 years after the first publication for works that were created by corporations.

Once this term expires, the work moves into the public domain, where anyone can access, reproduce, and adapt it without permission from the original copyright holders. This period provides creators with exclusive rights to their work, ensuring they can benefit financially from it while it’s still under protection.

However, as works enter the public domain, they become part of the cultural commons, allowing artists, educators, and content creators to remix, reinterpret, and evolve those works without legal restrictions. This process has been particularly impactful in literature, music, and film.

Which Characters Will Have Their Copyrights Expire Next?

Many beloved characters from literature, film, and animation are set to enter the public domain in the coming years. These include classic literary figures and modern animated characters who have profoundly impacted pop culture. Below, we highlight several key characters whose copyrights will expire soon, creating new opportunities for content creators and fans alike.

Mickey Mouse and Friends

Mickey Mouse is undoubtedly one of the most iconic animated characters in history. However, while Mickey Mouse as he first appeared in Steamboat Willie (1928) has entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, the modern version of Mickey, as seen in more recent cartoons and movies, won’t enter the public domain until 2039.

This difference is due to the evolving nature of the character, with newer iterations maintaining copyright protection for a longer period.

Several of Mickey’s companions, including Pluto (2026), Goofy (2028), and Donald Duck (2029), will also enter the public domain in the coming years. These characters, who have been staples of Disney’s animation empire, are set to become available for reinterpretation, remixing, and reimagining by creators worldwide.

Popeye and Tintin (2025)

A new year 2025 brings even more work into the public domain. In 2024, thousands of copyrighted creations from 1929, including the original Popeye and the Belgian comic character Tintin, are now available for reuse and repurposing in the US.

Popeye’s original version, before he started using spinach to gain strength, is now in the public domain, allowing anyone to copy, share, and adapt the character.

Betty Boop (2026)

Betty Boop, a famous cartoon character from the 1930s, will enter the public domain in 2026. Created by Max Fleischer, Betty Boop became a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and a major figure in animation. Known for her flapper style, exaggerated personality, and iconic catchphrase “Boop-Oop-a-Doop,” Betty Boop has remained an enduring figure in pop culture.

After entering the public domain, creators will be able to use her character in new ways, potentially reimagining her in modern contexts or continuing her adventures in new media.

King Kong (2029)

The original 1933 film King Kong, featuring the giant ape rampaging through New York City, is a cinematic classic. This iconic character, along with the original version of the movie, will enter the public domain in 2029.

As one of the most recognized creatures in film history, King Kong will be available for reinterpretation, leading to potentially new adaptations in movies, video games, and books. Creators will be able to explore new stories with King Kong without needing permission or paying licensing fees.

Superman (2033)

Created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman is one of the most famous superheroes in the world. His original comic book appearances, which were published by Action Comics, will enter the public domain in 2033, though aspects of the character (such as specific designs and trademarks) will remain under copyright for a longer period.

Superman’s potential entry into the public domain has sparked excitement among creators, who will gain the ability to make their own interpretations of the Man of Steel, potentially leading to new versions of the character and his universe.

Bugs Bunny (2035)

The famous Warner Bros. cartoon character Bugs Bunny will enter the public domain in 2035. Known for his catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” and his mischievous, yet lovable personality,

Bugs has been a staple of animation for decades. As with Mickey Mouse and other animated characters, the public domain status of Bugs Bunny will allow for new interpretations and creative reinventions by animators and content creators.

Below is a list of popular characters that will be entering the public domain in the coming years.

What Does This Mean for the Public Domain?

The expiration of copyrights on these characters means that new generations of creators can take inspiration from them without the need for expensive licenses or the restrictions of copyright law. The impact of these changes will be felt in a wide range of media:

• Film and Animation: With classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny entering the public domain, filmmakers and animators can adapt these characters in new ways, offering fresh takes on their personalities, stories, and settings.
• Literature and Comics: Characters like Superman and King Kong will become free to use for comic book artists, novelists, and graphic novel creators. This could lead to new, diverse narratives and perspectives on these legendary characters.
• Marketing and Merchandising: As public domain characters can be freely used, new merchandise, toys, and even advertising campaigns will be built around these characters. This opens up new avenues for innovation without the burden of licensing agreements.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the public domain provides exciting opportunities for creators, it also comes with challenges. The line between the original work and newer adaptations can become blurred, leading to questions of ownership and the potential for copyright disputes.

For example, while the character of Mickey Mouse as seen in Steamboat Willie is entering the public domain, Disney’s modern, updated version still holds a strong brand presence and intellectual property rights.

The real benefit lies in how these works can be freely accessed, adapted, and remixed to fit the tastes of modern audiences. As these iconic characters become part of the cultural commons, new and exciting creative works will emerge from both established artists and independent creators.

Conclusion

The expiration of copyrights on these iconic characters in the coming years presents an exciting shift in the entertainment and creative industries. Characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, King Kong, and Superman will soon be free for reinterpretation and adaptation, unlocking a new wave of creative expression. As these beloved figures enter the public domain, the possibilities for innovation and artistic exploration will continue to expand, enriching our cultural landscape in ways we can’t yet fully imagine.

The infographic below from Visual Capitalist shows the roadmap of some of our loved characters and their expiry date.