Title: Dive into Terrifier's Chilling Transformation of David Howard Thornton as a Missegmented Mickey
In the realm of public domain horror, the question "What might a terrifying Steamboat Willie look like?" has been answered. This notion has spurred the darkened sides of beloved characters like Popeye, Pinocchio, Tinker Bell, and more to see the light of day. The most anticipated transformation is Mickey Mouse, whose image entered the public domain with the release of Steamboat Willie in 2024. The first glimpse of this chilling reincarnation appears in the upcoming film, Screamboat.
Variety had the exclusive scoop on the initial image showing David Howard Thornton, best-known as Art the Clown from the Terrifier series. Will he carry over his captivating and unsettling performance to his portrayal of the twisted Mickey Mouse? The hatter on his head is substantially larger than the tiny chapeau Art the Clown prefers.
According to Variety, "Screamboat" follows a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry trip that takes a deadly turn when a playful mouse triggers a rampage. Caught off guard, the unsuspecting passengers need to unite to prevent their relaxing commute from turning into a horrifying nightmare.
Writer-director Steven LaMorte praised Thornton's performance and the effects created by Quantum Creation FX, stating, "Screamboat is my way of honoring Disney while presenting a dark, comedic twist on their classic character."
LaMorte, who is also known for his work on the 2022 Grinch horror parody The Mean One, co-wrote "Screamboat" with Matthew Garcia-Dunn. In addition to Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf and Jesse Kove from Cobra Kai, Allison Pittel from Stream stars in "Screamboat." Initially slated for a January 31, 2025, release, the film has since been rescheduled for an April premiere, though the exact date remains a mystery.
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Enrichment Data
Overall:The horror film "Screamboat" is scheduled for a April 2025 release. Key details about the movie include:
- Plot: A group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry trip encounter a deadly situation after a mischievous mouse rampages, inspired by the public domain version of Disney's Steamboat Willie.
- Cast: David Howard Thornton stars as the killer Steamboat Willie, well-known for his role as Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise. The film also includes Amy Schumacher, Jesse Kove, Tyler Posey, Jarlath Conroy, Allison Pittel, and others.
- Production: Steven LaMorte, director of The Mean One, wrote and directed the film. Practical effects, designed by Christian Cordella and built by Quantum Creation FX, were used to transform David Howard Thornton into Steamboat Willie.
- Release Schedule: Initially planned for a January 31, 2025, release, the film has been delayed and is now scheduled for a theatrical release in April, followed by digital and home video releases.
"Screamboat" is a horror slasher film that pays homage to Disney's classic character while providing a sinister, yet comedic, twist. Filled with blood-curdling special effects, the film promises to be a unique addition to the horror genre.
The upcoming movie "Screamboat" draws inspiration from the public domain version of Disney's Steamboat Willie, incorporating technology to create a chilling transformation of the beloved character. The film, influenced by io9's focus on future-oriented content, promises to deliver a dark and comedic twist on the classic character.
