'Screamboat', reimagination of 'Steamboat Willie', makes latest signings

The 1928 short film, Steamboat Williewhich introduced Mickey Mouse to everyone, entered the public domain last January after its copyright expired.

Immediately afterwards, it was announced that the short film will be subject to a reimagining with a touch of horror, with the film project Screamboatdirected by Steven LaMorte, who in 2023 directed The Mean Onea horror film that put a terrifying spin on the popular Grinch character.

Screamboat will center on a sadistic mouse who torments a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.

The horror comedy announced the latest signings, ahead of the visit they will make to the American Film Market in Las Vegas in search of a buyer.

Variety reports that the signings are about Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) y Kailey Hyman (Terrifier 2, Terrifier 3). Both actors will play “key characters” in Screamboat.

Additionally, he signed Brian Quinn (Impractical Jokers) and the podcaster Joe DeRosa, making cameos.

These four are joining those previously announced, David Howard Thorntonknown in the horror scene for playing Art the Clown in the franchise Terrifiergiving life to the twisted version of Steamboat Willie; Allison Pittel (Stream), Amy Schumacher (The Mean One), Jesse Possey (Teen Wolf), Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai), Rumi C Jean-Louis (Hightown), Jarlath Conroy (Day of the Dead), y Charles Edwin (The Exorcist III).

SYNOPSIS:

In Screamboat, “A mischievous mouse stalks a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry ride, unleashing murderous mayhem on a relaxing ride. Can the ship's motley crew of travelers find a way to stop a murderous creature that has developed a taste for tourists?

EYE ON THE DATA: The only version of Mickey that is in the public domain is the one portrayed in Steamboat Willie. Likewise, it will be necessary to know if the name Mickey Mouse can be used in projects of this type.

Previously LaMorte explained:

“We are doing our due diligence to make sure there is no doubt or confusion about what we are doing. This is our version of a public domain character. It's a scary, exciting ride with heart and humor.based on this character that everyone knows.”

LaMorte promises that the film version of Steamboat Willie es “a 100 percent practical creature for the camera”in which both a puppet and a costume are used.

Quantum Creation FX, Inc. de Christian Beckman (The Last Voyage of the Demeter, The Book of Boba Fett) is creating the creature from designs by conceptual artist Christian Cordella (Avatar: The Way of Water, Spider-Man: No Way Home).

Screamboat is produced by Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, and Steven LaMorte, the team that produced The Mean One. Other producers are Steven Della Salla and Michael Levy, producers of the saga Terrifier.

Iconic Events Releasing will distribute the film in the United States.