To "enter the public domain" generally means that the copyright expires, and the character or work is now free to use. When characters or works enter the public domain, there is often a rush of new creative works utilizing the now-available characters. So, when a character enters the public domain, it's often an exciting moment to see where they will go next.

For example, The Great Gatsby entered the public domain in 2021, it led to a flurry of book-adaptations, video games, and even musicals. Now, as of January 1, 2025, Popeye has officially entered the public domain, and we are able to imagine fun, new adventures for him. 

Most other countries had public domain rights to Popeye in 2009, seventy years after Popeye creator E.C. Segar passed away. Popeye and his buddies began as characters in the Thimble Theatre comic strip from King Features Syndicate; Segar was an employee of King Features so under United States law, Popeye is considered a "work for hire" and those are protected for 95 years after publication. 

It has now been 95 years, so Thimble Theatre and Popeye finally enter the public domain. Obviously, there are stipulations and legal loopholes, and copyright laws are always changing. While Popeye is now in the public domain, his trademarks as a character are still held by King Features. And the Popeye cartoons remain under copyright as well. This situation is not exactly a free-for-all like it was when The Great Gatsby entered the public domain. Now that Popeye a free man, so to speak, let's play pretend - what sort of adventures would you like to see Popeye go on? We have some ideas; tell us which ones you like!