David Howard Thornton, the formidable actor behind the chilling character of Art the Clown, has transformed into a nightmarish Mickey Mouse for the eagerly anticipated horror flick, "Screamboat." This haunting adaptation of Disney's iconic mascot, now within the public domain, centers on a group of New Yorkers whose Ferry ride turns into a grim hunt led by a murderous mouse. Written and directed by Steven LaMorte, who previously helmed the horror twist on "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" titled "The Mean One" in 2022, "Screamboat" promises to chill audiences to the bone.
Variety has unveiled a chilling first-look image of Thornton, renowned for his terrifying portrayal of Art in "Terrifier," donning the sinister silver attire of Mickey Mouse, echoing the monochrome charm of the classic "Steamboat Willie" short. In this sinister tableau, he wields a gory harpoon, setting the tone for the movie's grim narrative. Alongside Thornton's Public Domain Mickey Mouse, an ensemble of talented actors portrays the passengers of the Ferry, soon to be tormented by the demonic rodent. This ensemble includes Tyler Posey, Kailey Hyman, Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Rumi C. Jean-Louis, Jesse Kove, Jarlath Conroy, and Charles Edwin Powell, with cameo appearances lined up for Brian Quinn and Joe DeRossa.
Quantum Creation is tasked with bringing the sinister mouse to life, drawing heavily from its original depiction while infusing it with a horror-inspired twist. It's worth noting that "Screamboat's" release date has been rescheduled from January 24, 2025, to April 2025. This isn't the first horror flick to capitalize on Steamboat Willie's entry into the public domain, as "The Mouse Trap" premiered on August 6, 2024, albeit met with negative reviews. However, Thornton's involvement in "Screamboat" hints at the potential for terror akin to his role in the "Terrifier" series.
Despite LaMorte's latest venture, "The Mean One," garnering a mere 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, the postponement of "Screamboat's" release could suggest a commitment to enhancing its horror elements. Thornton's costume in "Screamboat" mirrors his slasher villain personas, such as Art, transforming him into an eerie, otherworldly figure capable of despicable acts. His chilling reinterpretation of a beloved childhood character could elevate the slasher genre, as he morphs into a sadistic version of Mickey Mouse. While moviegoers will have to wait a few extra months for his twisted iteration of the character to hit the big screen, the anticipation for this macabre masterpiece continues to build.
