With Mickey Mouse’s first official appearance entering the public domain on January 1, 2024, one of the most highly anticipated upcoming horror movies has already been announced: a Steamboat Willie titled Screamboat horror movie, adding a terrifying twist to a beloved classic. The original 1928 short, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, portrays Mickey as a steamboat captain in a series of cartoon misadventures with early versions of Disney characters, including Pete and Minnie Mouse. This short film became notable as one of the earliest synchronized sound cartoons and, more importantly, introduced Mickey Mouse to audiences worldwide.
Under current copyright law, Steamboat Willie and its imagery entered the public domain at the start of 2024, making it accessible for any use, provided no one claims ownership of the original work. Throughout the 2020s, this trend has gained traction as more classic characters, such as Winnie the Pooh, have fallen into the public domain. This shift has given rise to the genre of “mascot horror,” where beloved childhood characters are reimagined as terrifying villains. Naturally, as soon as Mickey became available, filmmakers seized the opportunity to announce Film Steamboat Willie horror projects, adding to the lineup of scary movies coming out soon.
What is the latest news on Screamboat?
With just a few months left before its theatrical debut, Screamboat has dropped a new teaser, adding to the excitement surrounding new horror movies. The 40-second teaser maintains suspense by keeping the deadly Mickey Mouse character largely hidden, focusing instead on the human cast as they are hunted aboard the eerie steamboat. Mickey appears only in shadow, but a quick glimpse of his small, cartoonish feet hints that he won’t just be a person in costume, as seen in other Steamboat Willie adaptations from 2024.
Is Screamboat confirmed?
Among the new horror movies coming out, it took less than a day after Steamboat Willie entered the public domain for a horror adaptation to be announced. Director Steven LaMorte, known for his work in the “mascot horror” genre with The Mean One, officially revealed on January 2, 2024, that he was developing a horror film inspired by the classic Disney short. Named Screamboat, the project reportedly began production in spring 2024 and is set for a theatrical release in January 2025.
What is the story behind the Screamboat horror movie?
Set against the backdrop of a New York City ferryboat, Screamboat will follow a diverse group of passengers as they struggle to survive the lethal rampage of Steamboat Willie. This unique horror adaptation takes inspiration from the classic animated short film, reimagining its whimsical narrative with a chilling and violent twist.
While specific plot details are still largely undisclosed, it is confirmed that Screamboat will retain the basic structure of the original cartoon but infuse it with a horror element that amplifies the tension and stakes. The story will revolve around the various characters aboard the ferry, who must navigate their way through a nightmarish situation as they encounter the murderous incarnation of Steamboat Willie.
One of the intriguing aspects of the film is the ambiguity surrounding the portrayal of Steamboat Willie himself. It remains uncertain whether he will be depicted as a human wearing a mask, adding a layer of psychological horror, or if David Howard Thornton will take on the role of a killer anthropomorphic rodent. Thornton is known for his portrayal of Art the Clown in the Terrifier series, which raises expectations for a deeply unsettling performance.
What is clear is that Screamboat is set to be a gruesome affair, promising a wealth of gory special effects and intense horror sequences. The filmmakers aim to create a visceral experience that not only pays homage to the beloved classic but also explores the darker side of nostalgia, transforming a childhood icon into a terrifying villain. As the story unfolds, audiences can anticipate a blend of suspense, horror, and adrenaline-fueled action as the passengers fight for their lives against this iconic figure-turned-nightmare.
Who is in the cast of Screamboat?
As Screamboat, the public domain horror film, takes shape throughout 2024, its full cast has been revealed. The film will feature some familiar names from the horror genre, including David Howard Thornton, who will portray the murderous version of Steamboat Willie. Thornton is well-known for his role as the sinister Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise.
Joining Thornton in an undisclosed role is Amy Schumacher, who previously worked with director Steven LaMorte on The Mean One. The ensemble cast also includes horror veterans such as Jarlath Conroy (Day of the Dead) and Charles Edwin Powell (The Exorcist III), alongside lesser-known actors like Rumi C Jean-Louis (Hightown). Additionally, Jesse Posey (Teen Wolf) and Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai) will also feature in unspecified roles, rounding out the intriguing cast of Screamboat.
The cast of Screamboat has been confirmed and includes:
David Howard Thornton
Amy Schumacher
Jarlath Conroy
Charles Edwin Powell
Rumi C Jean-Louis
Jesse Posey
Jesse Kove
Is Screamboat a Disney movie?
No, Screamboat is not a Disney movie. It is an upcoming horror comedy film that is a reimagining of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks’s 1928 animated short film, Steamboat Willie. While it is based on a Disney character, it is not being produced by Disney and is not considered a Disney film.
Where can I watch Screamboat?
To watch “Screamboat,” keep an eye on major streaming platforms and local theater listings as the release date approaches. Top providers where the movie might become available include Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Hulu. Checking these platforms regularly or subscribing to their updates can help ensure you don’t miss the release.
Is there a trailer for Screamboat?
As the tongue-in-cheek horror flick prepares for its theatrical release in January 2025, a teaser for Screamboat was unveiled in September 2024. This 40-second clip primarily highlights the human cast while recounting the eerie backstory of Steamboat Willie through unsettling narration. Mickey Mouse makes only a brief appearance, primarily depicted as a shadow, with a quick glimpse of his feet seen inside a toilet stall. From what the teaser reveals, it seems that the legendary cartoon character may retain some of his classic cartoonish traits, adding a unique twist to his portrayal in this horror context.
