On June 05, 2025, Disney’s 1928 animated short film,Steamboat Willie,became public domain, andthe next day, it was announced thatSteven LaMortewas working on a dark and twisted version of the iconic mouse. Similarly,Jamie Baileydid the same and created the Canadian slasher film,Mickey’s Mouse Trap, which was released last August. BothMickey’s Mouse TrapandScreamboattake the black-and-white animated whistling Mickey and twist him into terrifying and hilarious horror-comedy adaptations for Disney fans who also enjoy the flagrant bastardization of beloved childhood characters. In a good way. Several other childhood classics have been adapted for horror recently, as more content becomes available for creative use, such asThe Mean One, also directed by LaMorte, as a horrific retelling of the classic tale ofDr. Seuss’How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Additionally, the MCU and DCU can take a backseat for horror moviegoers at the moment, becauseRhys Frake-Waterfieldhas created the Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU), also known as the “Poohniverse,” which focuses on taking characters from children’s media (particularly ones that Disney has previously adapted) and turning them into psychopathic murderers. The first films in this universe includeWinnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, andWinnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, and future projects includeBambi: The Reckoning,Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare,Pinnochio: Unstrung,Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,Awakening Sleeping Beauty,Snow White Returns, and a third installment ofWinnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. WhileScreamboatisn’t technically part of the TCU, the creators are friendly, and it certainly fits the ticket for this new trend of making horror parodies of classic childhood characters. Read on to learn what you need about the upcoming slasher!
6What Is the Release Date for ‘Screamboat’?
Screamboatwas originally set to be released on August 10, 2025, but has just been updated for a releasesometime in April of this year. As unfortunate as it is that the release has been delayed, there are only a few more months to wait to see what horrors will be unleashed at the white-gloved hands of “Screamboat Willie.” Realistically speaking, those gloves probably won’t stay white for very long…
5Will ‘Screamboat’ Be In Theaters or Streaming?
According to a new update, Screamboatwill have an exclusive theatrical release by Iconic Events Releasing this April. The postponed release might come from a marketing tactic, as the film is slated to be showcased at several horror conventions in the coming months, similar to the upcoming filmCompanion, which was supposed to come to theaters on January 10, but was pushed back to January 31 for marketing reasons. Due to its nature and niche target audience, the movie will likely have a limited release, so be sure to check with your local theaters to see if it will be playing near you! Shortly after its theatrical run, the film will become available for rent or purchase on streaming platforms like Amazon or YouTube.
4Is There a Trailer for ‘Screamboat’?
Yes, there is! The teaser trailer was released in April of last year via the officialScreamboatMovie YouTube account, making it a full year between teaser and release this April. You can watch it above!
As you can see, the iconic “Steamboat Willie” is kept mostly in the shadows for the teaser, but you can get glimpses of what to expect from this new and twisted version. The puppet and costume were designed by theQuantum Creation FXcompany, which has previously worked on costume design and props for films likeThe Tomorrow War,The Predator,Watchmen, and more. Just likeChuckyorM3GAN, size doesn’t always matter when it comes to murderous rampages. In an interview withIndieWire, director Steven LaMorte commented: “Because of his size, there are some really crazy kills in this movie that were pretty tough to pull off. There are definitely scenes that I feel confident I’m going to have to have an awkward conversation with my mother about after we’re done.
3What Will ‘Screamboat’ Be About?
In that same interview, LaMorte stated that it’s “the story of a late-night ferry ride in New York City where commuters and deckhands and all the usual passengers are attacked by a murderous and mischievous mouse who is mean, tiny, and loves getting up to no good.” The motivation behind Screamboat Willie’s carnage isn’t made clear in the trailer, but it could also be a situation likeThe Strangers, where the reason was simply “because you were home.” The villainous vermin might not need any specific reason other than the joy and thrill of the hunt and tormenting unsuspecting victims. “All hands on deck” will have to be the motto of the passengers and crew members of the ferry if they want to survive the night.
2Who Will Star in ‘Screamboat’?
David Howard Thorntonwill star as the murderous mouse inScreamboat, adding to his repertoire of antagonistic roles. Previously, he starred as Art the Clown in the threeTerrifierfilms, the grinchy titular character ofThe Mean One, and as the Joker inNightwing: Escalation. Thornton will also be starring in several upcoming horror movies, includingJokers Wild,The Dead Place, andRough Cut. Joining him as the lead protagonists areTyler PoseyandKailey Hyman. Posey is best known for his role as Scott McCall inTeen Wolfand has also appeared inTruth or DareandScary Movie V. Kailey Hyman starred as Brooke inTerrifier 2andTerrifier 3and also appeared inA Man Called Ottoas Barb, one of Otto’s neighbors. Additionally,Jesse Kove(Dark Night of the Soul),Jesse Posey(Intermedium),Michael Leavy(Terrifier),Amy Schumacher,Sarah Kopkin,Tommy Bechtold, andKenneth Maharajwill be supporting cast members with comediansJoe DeRosaandBrian Quinnmaking cameo appearances in the movie.
1Who Is Making ‘Screamboat’?
DirectorSteven LaMortestarted to create the story forScreamboatas soon asSteamboat Willieentered public domain territory and worked withMatthew Garcia-Dunn(Silent Hill: Ascension) to write the screenplay. LaMorte also served as a producer, along with Matt Leavy, Amy Schumacher, andSteven Della Salla(Terrifier 3). Executive producers includeJulien Didon,Mat Levy,Martine Melloul,Tommy Savas, andJason Schnell, withKelly Mayas a co-executive producer. Schumacher and Melloul both served as producers for LaMorte’s previous grim childhood retelling ofThe Mean Oneas well, with Schumacher and Matt Leavy also appearing in small roles inScreamboat. LaMorte also plans to continue hisTerrifierfranchise with David Howard Thornton reprising his role as Art the Clown for a fourth and final movie,Terrifier 4, which will explain more of Art’s backstory and wrap up the character arcs for Art, The Little Pale Girl, Victoria Heyes, and Sienna Shaw.
Screamboat
A late-night boat ride in New York City becomes a harrowing battle for survival as a mischievous mouse morphs into a monstrous danger.
