A chilling new horror film inspired by the classic animated short “Steamboat Willie”is set to make its debut this Spring. However, initial reactions from horror enthusiasts regarding the first glimpse of the film’s villain in “Screamboat”have been far from enthusiastic.
This film follows a growing trend where iconic children’s characters have transitioned into the horror genre. Following the release of “Blood and Honey,”a horror take on Winnie the Pooh, films based on Peter Pan and Popeye are also preparing to hit the screen, all fueled by the characters entering the public domain.
“Screamboat”offers a dark twist on an early Mickey Mouse cartoon, featuring a fearsome character portrayed by David Howard Thornton, known for his role in “Terrifier.”The first promotional image of Thornton as the malevolent rodent has recently been unveiled.
Unveiling the Terrifying Character in “Screamboat”
The newly released still from “Screamboat”presents David Howard Thornton donned in a comically oversized mouse costume, complete with a large hat and shorts, while holding a bloody spear. This portrayal undeniably references the nostalgic look of early Mickey Mouse but executes it in a disturbingly twisted fashion.
Unfortunately for the film, social media users have responded with criticism, labeling the aesthetic as cheap and poorly executed. One commentator lamented, “Wow, what happened to the budget? This looks like straight-up garbage, and that’s the design they chose? Hard pass.” Another quipped, “I see the budget was $10 and a box of donuts,” while a third voice in the online sphere expressed their disappointment, stating, “I was looking forward to this, but that design just sucks and isn’t scary.”
Additional concerns were raised about the film’s lead, with one user remarking, “I’m convinced David Howard Thornton will never do anything good outside of Art The Clown,” while someone else humorously compared the character to the Crack Fox from “The Mighty Boosh.”Yet, a lighter touch was shared by one commenter, who playfully stated that “Screamboat”looks a little cheesy.
A Comedic but Scary Take on a Classic
The premise of “Screamboat”promises to mix horror with humor. According to the official synopsis, the film follows a group of New Yorkers whose seemingly relaxing late-night ferry ride transforms into a nightmare when a mischievous mouse goes on a rampage, targeting unsuspecting passengers. The unlikely heroes must unite to stop this murderous creature before it’s too late.
As reported by Variety, writer-director Steven LaMorte has expressed his excitement about bringing the character to life. He described “Screamboat”as an homage to Disney, infused with both sinister elements and comedic twists. “Watching David Howard Thornton bring Steamboat Willie to life with the magicians at Quantum Creation FX has been nothing short of amazing—he’s hilarious and murderously entertaining. I can’t wait for audiences to meet Willie and experience the chaos we’ve created,” LaMorte stated.
The film is set to be released in cinemas this coming April, with a series of pre-release events planned ahead of the premiere, both at theaters and conventions.
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