Screamboat is an upcoming American comedy-horror film directed by Steven LaMorte. The film reimagines the classic 1928 Disney short Steamboat Willie, transforming its cheerful protagonist into a terrifying force of horror. With a mix of dark humour and slasher-style horror, Screamboat follows a group of New Yorkers trapped on a ferry with a monstrous version of Steamboat Willie.
Screamboat Movie Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Steven LaMorte |
| Screenplay by | Matthew Garcia-Dunn, Steven LaMorte |
| Story by | Steven LaMorte |
| Based on | Steamboat Willie by Walt Disney & Ub Iwerks |
| Produced by | Steven LaMorte, Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, Steven Della Salle, Michael Leavy |
| Starring | David Howard Thornton, Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Kailey Hyman, Jesse Kove, Jarlath Conroy |
| Cinematography | Steven Della Salle |
| Edited by | Patrick Lawrence |
| Music by | Yael Benamour, Charles-Henri Avelange |
| Production Companies | Sleight of Hand Productions, Kali Pictures, Fuzz on the Lens Productions |
| Distributed by | Iconic Events Releasing |
| Release Date | April 2, 2025 |
| Running Time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot Overview
The story takes place on a late-night ferry ride in New York City, where unsuspecting commuters and deckhands find themselves stalked by a mischievous yet murderous mouse. What starts as a routine journey quickly becomes a nightmare as Steamboat Willie, far from his original friendly persona, wreaks havoc on everyone aboard. With chaos unfolding at every turn, the passengers must fight for survival against this tiny yet terrifying menace.
Cast and Characters
- David Howard Thornton as Steamboat Willie
- Allison Pittel
- Amy Schumacher
- Jesse Posey
- Rumi C. Jean-Louis
- Kailey Hyman
- Jesse Kove
- Jarlath Conroy
- Charles Edwin Powell
- Cameos: Tyler Posey, Brian Quinn, Joe DeRosa
Production and Development
The idea for Screamboat emerged shortly after the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain on January 1, 2024. Director Steven LaMorte wasted no time reimagining the iconic character as a horror villain. The film’s first teaser was revealed a day after the copyright lapse, generating buzz among horror and Disney fans alike.
Quantum Creation FX developed the character design for the monstrous Steamboat Willie, ensuring a nightmarish yet recognizable version of the beloved character. Filming took place on an actual ferry owned by comedians Colin Jost and Pete Davidson, adding authenticity to the film’s claustrophobic and eerie setting.
Release Information
Screamboat will be released theatrically in the United States and the United Kingdom on April 2, 2025, through Iconic Events Releasing. The film was initially slated for a January 2025 release but was later pushed to April. DeskPop Entertainment will handle home video distribution.
Why Screamboat Is Generating Buzz
- A Horror Twist on a Classic Character – This marks the first significant horror adaptation of a Disney-associated character, sparking curiosity and controversy.
- David Howard Thornton’s Involvement – Known for his chilling portrayal of Art the Clown in Terrifier, Thornton brings an eerie presence to Steamboat Willie.
- The Public Domain Factor – Steamboat Willie’s entry into the public domain allows for bold creative freedom, paving the way for darker interpretations.
- A blend of Comedy and Horror – The film promises a mix of satire and scares, making it a unique offering in the horror genre.
- Ferry-Based Horror – The confined setting amplifies the tension, reminiscent of classic horror films set in isolated environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Screamboat about?
Screamboat follows a group of ferry passengers in New York City who become the target of a monstrous version of Steamboat Willie.
Is Screamboat based on Mickey Mouse?
While Steamboat Willie inspires it, it is not directly connected to Disney’s Mickey Mouse universe. The film takes advantage of the 1928 short’s public domain status.
Who plays Steamboat Willie in Screamboat?
David Howard Thornton, best known for his role as Art the Clown in Terrifier, plays the terrifying version of Steamboat Willie.
When will Screamboat be released?
The movie is set for theatrical release on April 2, 2025.
Where was Screamboat filmed?
The movie was filmed on a ferry owned by comedians Colin Jost and Pete Davidson, adding realism to the horror setting.
Conclusion
Screamboat is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing horror films in 2025. With its bold reimagining of a classic character, a strong cast, and a unique horror-comedy blend, it is set to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or just curious about how Steamboat Willie has been transformed, this film is a must-watch when it hits theatres on April 2, 2025.
