Horror fans, get ready for a wild ride! The teaser trailer for Screamboat has just dropped, giving us a chilling glimpse into what happens when an iconic Disney character goes rogue. The film is a twisted reimagining of Steamboat Willie, the classic Mickey Mouse character, now turned into a nightmarish villain. And who better to play this dark role than David Howard Thornton, the actor known for his terrifying performance as Art the Clown in the Terrifier movies?
A New Era for Steamboat Willie
Steamboat Willie, the cheerful and whistling Mickey Mouse we all grew up with, officially entered the public domain on January 1, 2024. The very next day, Screamboat was announced, alongside other horror projects that also plan to give this classic character a sinister twist. It’s a bold move, turning a beloved childhood figure into a horror icon, but the teaser shows just how effective it can be.
What We Know About Screamboat
Directed by Steven LaMorte, who also co-wrote the script with Matthew Garcia-Dunn, Screamboat is set during a late-night ferry ride in New York City. The passengers, who expect nothing more than a quiet trip, are in for the shock of their lives when a murderous mouse—mean, tiny, and disturbingly mischievous—starts picking them off one by one.
LaMorte, who previously worked with Thornton on 2022’s The Mean One, has shared that Screamboat promises some truly jaw-dropping scenes. “Because of his size, there are some really crazy kills in this movie that were pretty tough to pull off,” LaMorte said. He even hinted at some moments that might lead to awkward conversations with his mother—so you know it’s going to be intense!
Thornton’s transformation into Steamboat Willie was no small feat. The actor spent five hours in makeup and wore 10 pounds of prosthetics to fully embody this twisted version of the character. LaMorte emphasized that this isn’t just another slasher in a mask; Thornton’s Steamboat Willie will bring all the familiar traits—songs, poses, and more—just with a terrifying twist.
The Cast and Release Details
Alongside David Howard Thornton, Screamboat boasts a strong cast, including Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Jesse Kove, Rumi C. Jean-Louis, Jarlath Conroy, and Charles Edwin Powell. Each of these actors will bring their own flavor to this unique horror experience.
Screamboat is slated for release in early 2025 through DeskPop Entertainment and Iconic Events Releasing. With its intriguing premise and the talent behind it, Screamboat is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
Check out the teaser trailer, posted on X by Frighten the Weak, and prepare yourself for a horror experience like no other. This is Steamboat Willie as you’ve never seen him before—small, sinister, and absolutely terrifying.
