With the transition of Winnie the Pooh and early incarnations of Mickey Mouse into the public domain, we have witnessed a transformation of these cherished childhood characters into the heart of a series of horror films. This new project is being touted as the first-ever public domain crossover horror film. It sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown among these iconic figures, beating the highly anticipated mash-up film Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble to the market. The recently released teaser trailer, available for viewing above, gives a tantalizing glimpse into this dark reimagining.

The Dark Domain: MVW Mickey-vs-Winnie is designed to kick off a new cinematic universe known as The Dark Domain, under the expert guidance of Pitchfork director Glenn Douglas Packard. According to a press release, the teaser trailer offers a sneak peek at the “grotesque birth of Dark Mickey and Dark Winnie.” This universe will delve into the eerie Hell Forest, introducing audiences to terrifying new characters such as The Stitcher, Hellshadowers, and The Wickeds. The film was shot by talented cinematographer Andy Patch (Little Bites, Allegoria), with special effects makeup crafted by Emmy winner Daniel Phillips (Oz The Great & Powerful, The Hobbit trilogy). Set against the dark backdrop of the Hell Forest, the film has successfully completed post-production and is slated to premiere later this year.

In The Dark Domain: MVW Mickey-vs-Winnie, the beloved public domain characters of Steamboat Willie’s Mickey and A.A. Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh are transformed into terrifying killing machines: Dark Mickey (played by Daniel Wilkinson, known for Pitchfork) and Dark Winnie (portrayed by Chris Boudreaux, from Born a Champion, NCIS). These reimagined figures unleash chaos in a relentless horror confrontation, challenging the perceptions that fans have of these childhood icons. To provide even more context, here’s an in-depth description: A century ago, two convicts vanished in the ominous Hell Forest, a location notorious for its dark legends and whispered curses. Their disappearance marked the beginning of a sinister narrative surrounding an evil entity that preys on the unsuspecting. In modern times, a group of childhood friends, each grappling with their own unresolved traumas, feels an irresistible urge to revisit their old reform school nestled in the heart of this foreboding forest—now a decaying relic of their innocence, echoing with painful secrets and forgotten horrors. As they navigate the remnants of their past, they are drawn into a confrontation with their darkest fears, embodied in the grotesque forms of Dark Mickey and Dark Winnie. These monstrous representations symbolize their deepest regrets and unresolved inner demons, forcing them to face the horrific manifestations of their own psyche in an epic battle.

Packard shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I love that we can take these iconic childhood characters from A.A. Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and the 1928 Steamboat Willie version of Mickey and create a whole new wicked universe. Our film is like the Upside Down World, with these public domain icons getting into a horror smackdown akin to Freddy vs. Jason.”

Our friends at Bloody Disgusting have exclusive character posters that provide further insight into the film, available for viewing at the end of this article. This visual content adds an exciting layer to the anticipation surrounding the film’s release.

What are your thoughts on the teaser trailer for The Dark Domain: MVW Mickey-vs-Winnie? Share your opinions by leaving a comment below and join the discussion about this intriguing new take on classic characters.