A new horror movie centered around Steamboat Willie has been announced – here’s how it connects to the animated Mickey Mouse short.
AlthoughMickey Mousewas seen during test screenings for a cartoon called Plane Crazy, the first time audiences got a look at the beloved rodent was when Steamboat Willie went on general release in 1928.
Written and directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, the eight-minuteanimatedshort was an immediate sensation, launching the character that would become mascot of the Disney studio.
What is Screamboat?
The original Steamboat Willie was a slight short that featured Mickey Mouse whistling while sailing a boat, picking up livestock, meeting Minnie, falling out with his ship’s captain, and generally getting up to mischief.
The forthcoming feature revolves around a sadistic mouse tormenting and killing passengers on a ferry.
Steven LaMorte – who made Grinch-inspiredhorror movieThe Mean One – directs, while the producers ofTerrifier 2, Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy, have also boarded the project.
“Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror,” LaMorte said in a press release. “It’s a project I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to unleash this twisted take on this beloved character to the world.”
While speaking to Variety, the directoradded: “It all comes from our love of these characters. Filmmakers – we’re all kids in the sandbox. We love taking them and playing with them in different ways. It’s not a desire to ruin these characters or make a quick buck, but to love them and honor them and show them in a new light.”
Though LaMorte said that he’s working closely with a legal team, stating: “We are doing our due diligence to make sure there’s no question or confusion of what we’re up to. This is our version of a public domain character. It’s a scary thrill ride with heart and humor, based on this character that everybody knows.”
Chris Tilly is the TV & Movies Editor at Dexerto. He has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Newspaper Journalism, and over the last 20 years, he’s worked for the likes of Time Out, IGN, and Fandom. Chris loves Star Wars, Marvel, DC, sci-fi, and especially horror, while he knows maybe too much about Alan Partridge. You can email him here: chris.tilly@dexerto.com.
