Screamboat Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need To Know
In a new horror film that turns a classic cartoon figure into a terrifying creature, an old figure from the animation world is given an entirely eerie transformation. Due April 2, 2025, this revision of the 1928 animated short “Steamboat Willie” uses the character’s recent entry into the public domain to deliver fright instead of nostalgia.
The horror-comedy centers on a group of unfortunate New Yorkers stuck on a late-night ferry ride who must fight to survive when they’re set upon by a murderous mouse with a wicked sense of humor. Starring “Art the Clown” actor David Howard Thornton in the title role, “Screamboat” will surely bring on both screams and laughs as it hits theaters this spring.
Screamboat Release Date
Screamboat will premiere in theaters nationwide on April 2, 2025, moving from its previously scheduled release of January 24 to compete with spring releases instead of winter fare. The film is rated R for “bloody violence, gore, and language” and has a cartoonish villain.
Advance tickets will be available on March 1, 2025, with special pricing for midnight screenings and costume contests in select cities. International releases, spread over its various platforms, will differ, with the UK and Ireland release on April 11, 2025. The home video release will be around three months after the film’s theatrical debut, with digital rentals ahead of physical media.
Screamboat’s Storyline: Terror-Charged Journey
The story takes place during a late-night ferry crossing in New York City. What begins as a straightforward journey across the water soon becomes a battle for survival as passengers face off against a killer mouse that prowls the boat’s narrow hallways and dank engine rooms.
The director Steven LaMorte crisply explains the premise: “It’s a late-night ferry ride in New York City, where commuters, deckhands and all the regular ferry-goers are attacked by a murderous and mischievous mouse who is mean and small and loves to get into trouble.”
The mouse creature hunts victims across the vessel, using the ferry’s close quarters and machinery to ensnare and frighten them. As the pint-size villain wreaks havoc with disproportionate malice, the film combines classic horror tropes with dark comedy.
The ferry has a perfect horror setting—passengers can’t go anywhere as they float in dark waters between Manhattan and Staten Island. This confined space adds to the suspense since the survivors must outwit the murderous mouse while stuck on board.
According to reports, the story will pay tribute to the original animation while turning its upbeat tone upside down into something more sinister. The visual style will contain clever hat tips to the 1928 short film by way of a horror reboot.
Screamboat’s Cast List: David Howard Thornton Leads Terrified Crew
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| David Howard Thornton | The Murderous Mouse | A silent but deadly creature haunts the ferry. |
| Allison Pittel | Emma | A ferry worker and the main protagonist. |
| Amy Schumacher | Dr. Melissa Carter | A marine biologist with knowledge of the creature’s origins. |
| Jesse Posey | Mark | A passenger who unexpectedly becomes a hero. |
| Kailey Hyman | Sarah | A tourist whose trip takes a horrifying turn. |
| Jesse Kove | Captain Richards | The ferry captain was struggling to handle the crisis. |
| Jarlath Conroy | Harold | An elderly passenger with insight into the mouse’s dark history. |
| Tyler Posey (Cameo) | TBA | Surprise role. |
| Brian Quinn (Cameo) | TBA | Surprise role. |
| Joe DeRosa (Cameo) | TBA | Surprise role. |
What Is The Production Status of Screamboat?
Production on “Screamboat” started almost immediately after the original “Steamboat Willie” cartoon entered the public domain on January 1, 2024. The following day, LaMorte wrote about his plans for a horror version of the once-available character, quickly moving to stake a claim in the race to reimagine him.
The project kicked into gear when word got out in April 2024 that the film’s official title was “Screamboat.” This humorous wordplay ushers the viewer into the movie’s tongue-in-cheek take on what it might mean to turn a beloved animated character into a horror villain.
One of the main challenges of production was the mouse monster itself. The working team brought Quantum Creation FX, which designed the puppet and costume for Thornton’s character. Instead of relying heavily on CGI for the villain, the filmmakers used practical effects, giving the horror a more corporeal and menacing aspect.
Thornton was confirmed to play the lead in June, and casting information trickled out throughout mid-2024. The production added more cast members through the fall of 2024, filling out the rest of the ensemble just before filming started.
In a fun twist, the ferry featured in the film has its celebrity pedigree—it belongs to “Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost and comedian Pete Davidson. This real-life ship makes an authentic New York backdrop for the horror story to unfold.
The filmmakers had to tread carefully around copyright issues. Although the original “Steamboat Willie” animation entered the public domain, Disney retains the rights to its modern version of the character and all associated features made after 1928. Scramboat could only use visual elements of schmoes that were part of that first short film, which led to creative measures to avoid legal confrontation.
Where To Watch Screamboat
Screamboat will be given a theatrical release via Iconic Events Releasing starting on April 2, 2025. The film will be released in theaters only nationwide for its openingrun, with limited preview engagements scheduled in significant markets for late March.
After its theatrical run, “Screamboat” will also be available on home video from DeskPop Entertainment. The DVD and Blu-ray release dates are anticipated for summer 2025. Digital rentals and purchases will be available on major streaming platforms about 45 days after the movie opens in theaters.
Signature Entertainment’s distribution will cover the United Kingdom and Ireland, with international release dates to follow. The film isn’t yet set to stream on a subscription service, although deals may be made closer to the release.
The horror movie’s appeal was embraced in special midnight screenings over its opening weekend. Major theater chains like AMC, Regal, and Alamo Drafthouse have said they’re distributing the film.
Screamboat Episode List
As of this writing, we don’t know any specifics about “Screamboat” episodes. Although promotional material has mentioned short-form content, no official episodic structure has been confirmed by the production team or distributors. Perhaps this is because “Screamboat” is being developed mainly as a standalone feature instead of a series.
| Episode | Summary |
|---|---|
| First Sighting | Security camera footage captures the mouse stalking a janitor on the docked ferry. |
| Midnight Crossing | A couple hears eerie noises from the engine room during a late-night voyage. |
| Captain’s Log | I found footage from Captain Richards, which documents strange events leading up to the main attack. |
| Passenger Manifest | Mock interviews introduce passengers as they board, unaware of their impending doom. |
| Maritime Warning | A fictional news report hints at past disappearances linked to the mouse. |
However, episodic content could still play a role in its marketing campaign. This article will be updated as soon as we receive any confirmed data about the episodic content of “Screamboat” so that our readers will get the latest and most accurate data on the show.
FAQs
Is there an affiliation between ‘Screamboat’ and Disney?
No. Though “Screamboat” is derived from the 1928 “Steamboat Willie” cartoon that became public domain in 2024, it is not from Disney. The only parts it lifts from that short film, which recently entered the public domain, are now technically fair game.
So why is this character now free to be used in other movies?
Copyright protection on the original 1928 “Steamboat Willie” cartoon expired on Jan. 1, 2024, sending it into the public domain after 95 years. Filmmakers can employ elements unique to that cartoon, although Disney retains rights to modern character iterations.
Is “Screamboat” appropriate for kids?
No. “Screamboat” is a horror movie targeted at grown-ups who like horror movies. Though the character design is based on a beloved cartoon, the material is anything but family-friendly.
And will there be a sequel, “Screamboat”?
Plans for a sequel have not been announced yet. The future of any potential sequels would remain contingent on the film’s box office success and audience response.
Where was “Screamboat” filmed?
The film was shot mainly in New York City, and an actual ferry owned by comedians Colin Jost and Pete Davidson appeared in many scenes.
Final Thoughts
The metamorphosis of a once-beloved animation pioneer into a horror villain is one of the most distinctive creative opportunities to bubble up from recent copyright expirations. With more traditional characters entering the public domain in the years to come, “Screamboat” could initiate a trend of seeing family-friendly icons through darker lenses.
Whether audiences will embrace this twisted reimagining or turn their backs, the film has succeeded by inspiring discussion about the ownership of creative works and the possibility of recontextualizing cultural touchstones.
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