David Howard Thornton, the actor renowned for his chilling portrayal of Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” series, is set to embark on a new horror adventure. This time, he will be taking on the role of Steamboat Willie in the upcoming horror comedy “Screamboat.” Steamboat Willie, the original incarnation of Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse, entered the public domain on January 1, paving the way for innovative projects like this one.
“Screamboat” promises a unique blend of horror and comedy. According to the film’s official synopsis, the story revolves around a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry ride that turns deadly. A mischievous mouse, Steamboat Willie, goes on a rampage, targeting unsuspecting passengers. The diverse group of commuters must unite to stop the murderous mouse before their peaceful journey turns into a nightmare.
The film boasts an impressive cast alongside Thornton. Joining him are Allison Pittel (“Stream”), Amy Schumacher (“The Mean One”), Jesse Posey (“Teen Wolf”), Jesse Kove (“Cobra Kai”), Rumi C Jean-Louis (“Hightown”), and horror veterans Jarlath Conroy (George A. Romero’s “Day of the Dead”) and Charles Edwin Powell (“The Exorcist III”).
Director Steven LaMorte expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m thrilled to be working on ‘Screamboat’ with such a killer cast from horror legends to comedy icons. David Howard Thornton is bringing our mischievous and murderous take on Steamboat Willie to life like never before. I can’t wait for audiences to laugh and scream with us onboard ‘Screamboat’!”
Thornton himself is equally enthusiastic about the role. “I’m beyond excited to join this incredible cast and bring Steamboat Willie to life with a horror twist,” he said. “‘Screamboat’ is going to be a horrific and hilarious big screen thrill ride that fans won’t want to miss.”
Thornton is no stranger to the horror genre. He will reprise his role as Art the Clown in the upcoming “Terrifier 3,” set to release this fall. Director LaMorte, known for his work on “The Mean One,” a dark twist on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, is at the helm of “Screamboat.”
The production team for “Screamboat” includes Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, Steven Della Salla, and Michael Leavy. Special effects will be handled by Christian Beckman’s Quantum Creation FX, Inc., with creature design by concept artist Christian Cordella. The film is executive produced by Kali Pictures, Sleight of Hand Productions, Reckless Content, and Julien Didon.
“Screamboat” is set to hit theaters in 2025, with distribution by Iconic Events Releasing. The film promises to be a thrilling ride, combining elements of horror and comedy in a way that has never been seen before.
David Howard Thornton’s journey from voice acting to becoming a horror icon is a testament to his versatility and talent. His first live-action role as Art the Clown in “Terrifier” in 2016 catapulted him to fame. He has since reprised the role in two more films, including the upcoming “Terrifier 3,” set to release on October 11, 2024. Thornton will also appear in the horror movie “Stream” later this year, alongside genre veterans like Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace, Danielle Harris, Daniel Roebuck, and Tony Todd.
For Thornton, “Screamboat” represents an exciting new challenge. He describes the film as both “horrific and hilarious,” a combination that is sure to captivate audiences. With a stellar cast, a talented director, and a unique premise, “Screamboat” is poised to make waves in the horror genre.
As the release date approaches, fans of both horror and comedy will undoubtedly be eager to see how Thornton and the rest of the cast bring this twisted take on Steamboat Willie to life. “Screamboat” promises to be a film that will leave audiences both laughing and screaming, a true testament to the creativity and innovation of its creators.
