In a whimsical twist that tickled the funny bones of Disney fans worldwide, the satirical website Mouse Trap News recently claimed that Mickey Mouse would be replaced as Disney’s official mascot. According to the August 8, 2024 article, Disney decided to retire Mickey due to copyright expiration and would appoint EPCOT’s beloved Figment the purple dragon as the new face of the brand.
The outrageous report stated, “Disney has decided to make their new mascot Figment,” and gleefully added that extensive research and sales data had narrowed down the candidates to Figment, Sonny Eclipse, and Tinker Bell – with Figment emerging victorious. It even included an “official statement” from Disney, which of course, was entirely fictional.
To amplify the ruse, Mouse Trap News posted a TikTok video that garnered over 140,000 views, sparking widespread discussion among Disney enthusiasts. This isn’t the first time the website has spun such yarns; a similar story circulated back in February 2023, swapping out Mickey for Figment once again.
However, before you start mourning Mickey’s demise or eagerly awaiting a wave of Figment-themed merchandise, it’s important to note that Mouse Trap News is a parody site. It clearly states on its about page that all its content is fictitious and designed for fun.
For Disney, Mickey remains an enduring icon despite the expiration of early versions like “Steamboat Willie” entering the public domain. Disney’s official stance reassures fans that Mickey isn’t going anywhere. Their statement to Observer in 2023 cited, “Ever since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, people have associated the character with Disney’s stories, experiences, and authentic products. That will not change when the copyright in the Steamboat Willie film expires.”
What are your thoughts on this humorous piece? Do you think Figment could ever replace Mickey in fans’ hearts? Join the conversation in the comments and share this story with your friends for a good laugh!
Source: Snopes
