Which popular characters enter the public domain between 2025 and 2038?

Jul 31, 2026

Ola Kowalczyk

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The next characters to enter the public domain / Source: Visual Capitalist

Sleeping Beauty, Show White, Peter Pan, Captain Hook or Winnie-the-Pooh are already in the public domain. Which ones are the next?

Copyright is a legal protection for original works like books, music, and art. After a certain period, typically 70 years after the author’s death, these works enter the public domain.

This means that anyone can use, copy, distribute, or modify the work without needing permission from the original copyright holder. In simpler terms, it becomes free for everyone to use.

The public domain is a treasure trove of iconic characters, from classic superheroes to beloved literary figures.

Sleeping Beauty, Show White, Peter Pan, Captain Hook or Winnie-the-Pooh are already in the public domain. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse (the Steamboat Willie versions) entered the public domain in 2024.

This means fans, artists, and businesses can create new stories, merchandise, and adaptations without seeking permission from copyright holders.

Curious to learn which popular characters from books, movies, graphic novels, or comic books are entering the public domain in the coming years?

From the Visual Capitalist comes a handy infographic that lists popular fictional characters entering the public until 2038.

Character	In the public domain
Popeye	2025
Pluto	2026
Betty Boop	2026
Goofy	2028
Donald Duck	2029
King Kong	2029
Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves	2032
Superman	2034
Bugs Bunny	2035
Batman	2035
Joker	2036
Captain America	2036
wonder woman	2037
Moden Mickey Mouse	2037
Bambie	2038

Mickey’s several companions will be entering the public domain in the next five years. Pluto will be free to use in 2026, Goofy in 2028, and Donald Duck in 2029.

💬 The copyright on many of DC Comics’ stars—like Superman, Batman, the Joker, and Wonder Woman—will expire in the 2030s.

Click on the infographic to see it enlarged. Make sure to visit the original post for more details.

Source: The Next Characters to Enter the Public Domain – Visual Capitalist

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Ola Kowalczyk

An extroverted book lover, Ola embraces reading in all forms. She pairs a love of reading with outdoor routines, proving that stories belong everywhere from open trails to e-readers.

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