Is the 1933 King Kong in the Public Domain?
The original *King Kong* (RKO, 1933), directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, enters the US public domain on January 1, 2029 under the 95-year copyright rule. As of 2026 the film is still protected. Universal Pictures holds many derivative rights and active Kong trademarks for merchandise.
Status
- 1933 film: protected through Dec 31, 2028.
- Son of Kong (1933): also protected through 2028.
- Mighty Joe Young (1949), King Kong (1976, 2005), and 2017+ MonsterVerse films are separately protected.
January 1, 2029
- The 1933 RKO film, score (Max Steiner's landmark soundtrack), and stop-motion animation enter the US public domain together.
Trademark and merchandise
Kong is an active trademark. Even after the 1933 film enters PD, branded merchandise risks claims from current rightsholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 1933 King Kong enter public domain?
January 1, 2029 in the United States.
Can I use Max Steiner's King Kong score?
It enters PD with the film on January 1, 2029. Re-recordings have separate copyrights.
Are King Kong remakes public domain?
No. The 1976 and 2005 remakes and the MonsterVerse films are fully protected for 95 years from their respective release dates.
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