What is Steamboat Willie? Horror movie based on Mickey Mouse cartoon explained

A new horror movie centered around Steamboat Willie has been announced – here’s how it connects to the animated Mickey Mouse short.

Although Mickey Mouse was 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-minute animated short was an immediate sensation, launching the character that would become mascot of the Disney studio.

In early 2024, the Steamboat Willie iteration of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain, meaning that the floodgates have opened for unofficial projects.

What is Screamboat?

Screamboat is an upcoming indie comedy-horror movie that reimagines Disney’s Steamboat Willie. It’s due to be released sometime in 2025.

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-inspired horror movie The Mean One – directs, while the producers of Terrifier 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 director added: “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.”

For more horror, check out the horror flicks to get excited about in 2024. You can also read up on Longlegs, Terrifier 3, and Smile 2. And if you’re on the lookout for fresh content, here are all the new movies heading to streaming this month.