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"I'll believe it when I see it"

Cautiously optimistic

That their behavior is tied to people noticing what they're up to?

Isn't that true of a lot of people and companies?

Yea, just not the ones we should want to support.

Accepting that there are bad actors and actively supporting them are 2 different activities.

I am skeptical that they won't push for additional extensions, but will be happy if they don't.

Steam boat willy doesn't bring in any $$$. When one of the early classics that still sells (Bambi, snow white, etc) comes up please believe an extension is right around the corner

I agree with you that they will want an extension before Bambi, but Steamboat Willie does bring in money. When it goes public domain so does the original Micky and Minnie Mouse. In 2025 you could produce a non-Disney Micky Mouse movie.

And they do sell steamboat merch, or have in the recent past:

https://www.lego.com/en-nz/product/steamboat-willie-21317

I don't see it going into the public domain. Steamboat Willie should have entered public domain in 1956 and Disney keeps winning.