‘Screamboat’: First Look at David Howard Thornton as Steamboat Willie Has Been Released

A new twist on a beloved classic is set to hit theaters this April. Screamboat, a horror spoof of the 1928 Disney short Steamboat Willie, will bring a sinister version of the iconic mouse to life. The release date, originally slated for January, was recently pushed to April by Iconic Events Releasing.

Alongside this announcement, fans were treated to the first look at the murderous mouse, played by David Howard Thornton, known for his chilling performance as Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise.

Director Steven LaMorte, who previously directed the horror parody The Mean One, is at the helm of Screamboat. In his words, the film is “a way of paying homage to Disney while adding a sinister, yet comedic twist to the classic.”

LaMorte praised Thornton’s portrayal of the murderous Willie, describing the performance as both “hilarious and murderously entertaining.” The practical effects used to transform Thornton into the menacing mouse were designed by Christian Cordella and brought to life by Quantum Creation FX.

The movie follows a group of New Yorkers on what starts as a routine late-night ferry ride but quickly turns into a nightmare. When a mischievous mouse begins a deadly rampage, the passengers must unite to survive.

The film’s cast includes Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), Kailey Hyman (Terrifier 2), Amy Schumacher (The Mean One), and Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai), among others. Cameos by Brian Quinn (Impractical Jokers) and Joe DeRosa (Better Call Saul) add to the film’s unique appeal.

The idea for Screamboat was made possible thanks to Steamboat Willie entering the public domain in 2024. This follows a trend of horror reimaginings of beloved characters, such as Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey. LaMorte co-wrote the script with Matthew Garcia-Dunn, and the film’s production team includes Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, Steven Della Salla, and Michael Leavy.

With several pre-release screenings and promotional events planned at horror conventions, Screamboat is building anticipation among fans. The movie will also be available digitally and on home video after its theatrical release, managed by DeskPop Entertainment.

Are you ready to see Steamboat Willie in a way you’ve never imagined? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!