The short film that introduced Mickey Mouse to the world, 1928’s Steamboat Willie entered the public domain this year, and a handful of Mickey Mouse-themed horror projects have already been announced. One of those films is titled Screamboat, and Bloody Disgusting has learned that the filmmakers are teaming with Iconic Events Releasing for a theatrical release.
From the production teams behind Terrifier 2 and The Mean One, Screamboat is coming to theaters in 2025 via Iconic Events Releasing, we have been informed this afternoon.
In Screamboat, “A mischievous mouse stalks a group of New Yorkers on a late night ferry ride, unleashing murderous mayhem on a relaxing commute. Can the ship’s motley crew of travelers find a way to stop a killer creature who has developed a taste for tourists?”
“Iconic Events couldn’t be more excited to get in on the ground floor of what is going to be a fun and terror-filled ride,” said Steven Menkin, President and Co-Founder of Iconic Events. “Allowing filmmakers like Steven LaMorte the opportunity to showcase their films in movie theaters nationwide and bring horror fans together to experience this unique story is what Iconic is all about. We are more than excited to partner together on Screamboat.”
LaMorte’s previously-untitled horror parody of Steamboat Willie will begin production this Spring, with the filmmaker and his producers promising buckets of blood and unhinged chaos as their miniature mouse attacks a group of ferry commuters against the unmistakable backdrop of New York City’s iconic skyline.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Iconic Events Releasing to bring Screamboat to theaters across the country,” says director LaMorte. “We’re collaborating with incredible artists both in front of the camera and behind the scenes to bring a very unhinged horror comedy to life in the way it’s meant to be seen – on the big screen. We can’t wait for audiences to meet our mischievous, murderous mouse!”
“Screamboat will feature a mix of practical creature effects, miniatures, and cutting edge virtual production to showcase its very mischievous monster slashing his way through a ferry of fear.”
A number of spectacular artists have joined the project, eager to bring LaMorte’s twisted version of Steamboat Willie to life. Christian Beckman‘s Quantum Creation FX, Inc. (The Last Voyage of the Demeter, The Book of Boba Fett) is creating the creature from designs by concept artist Christian Cordella (Avatar: The Way of Water, Spider-Man: No Way Home). The film’s murderous version of Steamboat Willie will be brought to horrific life by a mix of classic practical puppets and traditional prosthetic makeup.
Produced by Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, and Steven LaMorte (the team behind The Mean One) in collaboration with horror heavyweights Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy (Terrifier 2, Terrifer 3, Stream), the film promises a hilariously horrific twist on Disney’s beloved mascot. Production is set to begin in Spring of 2024.
