Popeye the Sailor, created by Elzie Crisler Segar, is now public domain.
Popeye is among a slew of 1929 characters and works, as well as 1924 sound recordings, that entered the public domain on January 1, 2025. These include more Mickey Mouse cartoons and Disney’s “The Skeleton Dance.”
Popeye debuted in the daily King Features comic strip “Thimble Theatre” on January 17, 1929. Though “Thimble Theatre” had already existed for 10 years, Popeye’s popularity led to him becoming the main character, and the strip was ultimately renamed “Popeye.” After Segar died in 1938, several other writers and artists, including Bud Sagendorf, carried on with the “Popeye” comics. New “Popeye” comics continue to be produced, currently written and drawn by R. K. Milholland.
As with Mickey Mouse entering the public domain last year, the situation isn’t as simple as anyone being able to use Popeye’s image or comics. Only Popeye comics from 1929 are in the public domain. Other Popeye media, including Paramount’s 1930s and 1940s “Popeye the Sailor” cartoons, remain under copyright. Unlike Mickey, Popeye’s initial appearance in “Thimble Theatre” (pictured above) isn’t far off from how he’s depicted today, including his anchor tattoo and pipe.
Popeye is featured at Universal Orlando Resort in Toon Lagoon with the ride Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. Bluto, Popeye’s rival, wasn’t introduced in “Thimble Theatre” until 1932 so remains under copyright for three more years.
Popeye’s girlfriend, Olive Oyl, debuted in 1919, so she was already in the public domain.
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