David Howard Thornton has garnered a reputation for his comedic antics both on and off the set, a characteristic evident in his latest project, Screamboat. Known primarily for his role as the infamous Art the Clown in Damien Leone’s Terrifier films, Thornton now dons a different character, Steamboat Willie, in this quirky horror comedy. The film’s plot revolves around a group of New Yorkers who find themselves hunted by this iconic character while on a ferry returning to Staten Island.
As film enthusiasts may wonder, how does the production avoid legal repercussions from Disney? The answer lies in copyright law: as of January 2024, Steamboat Willie, the classic 1928 animated short that introduced Mickey Mouse to the world, has entered the public domain. This pivotal change allows for creative reinterpretations without the fear of litigation.
Behind the Scenes: Thornton’s Hilarious Prank
In a recent interview, Thornton recounted a particularly amusing moment on the Screamboat set where he managed to pull off a cheeky prank involving his cast and crew.“I wouldn’t say I spooked anyone, but I definitely got one over on Steven LaMorte, the director, ”he shared.
Teaming up with his makeup artist, Thornton concocted a plan involving Milk Duds, which he humorously referred to as “mouse droppings.” During a break in shooting, while the crew was handling serious scenes, Thornton sneaked the candies into his hand. As he pretended to struggle with his character, he theatrically dropped the candy on the floor, leading everyone to believe he was engaging in a rather shocking act.
The prank not only elicited laughter from the team but also provided a much-needed respite during a particularly intense filming session.“It was a well-needed joke because we were under a lot of pressure at that point. Breaking that tension was essential, and honestly, what better way than with a little poop humor?”Thornton remarked.

Reflecting on the filming experience, cast members shared their own humorous encounters with Thornton. One actress recalled her first day on set for Terrifier 2, where Thornton executed an unexpected jump scare that left her reeling.“He just snuck up on me while I was chatting with the hair and makeup team. It was such a classic scare, and he was just there, laughing like a mischievous child. It was a wild welcome to the franchise!”
Screamboat premiered in U. S.cinemas on April 2, 2025, simultaneously being released exclusively at Vue theaters in the UK.
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