The actor behind Art the Clown is taking terror to the high seas in his latest project.
David Howard Thornton, who portrays the bloodthirsty jokester in the “Terrifier” series, is set to play Steamboat Willie in the horror comedy “Screamboat.” Steamboat Willie is the earliest version of Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse character, and it entered the public domain on Jan. 1, opening the door for projects like this one.
Per the film’s official description, “‘Screamboat’ follows a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry ride that turns deadly when a mischievous mouse begins a rampage, targeting unsuspecting passengers. The unlikely crew must band together to thwart the murderous menace before their relaxing commute turns into a nightmare.”
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Joining Thornton in the cast include Allison Pittel (“Stream”), Amy Schumacher (“The Mean One”), Jesse Posey (“Teen Wolf”), Jesse Kove (“Cobra Kai”), Rumi C Jean-Louis (“Hightown”) as well as horror veterans Jarlath Conroy (George A. Romero’s “Day of the Dead”) and Charles Edwin Powell (“The Exorcist III”).
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“I’m thrilled to be working on ‘Screamboat’ with such a killer cast from horror legends to comedy icons,” director Steven LaMorte said in a statement. “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’!”
“I’m beyond excited to join this incredible cast and bring Steamboat Willie to life with a horror twist,” Thornton added. “‘Screamboat’ is going to be a horrific and hilarious big screen thrill ride that fans won’t want to miss.”
Thornton will next be seen playing Art the Clown in this fall’s “Terrifier 3.” LaMorte previously helmed “The Mean One,” a murderous riff on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul and LaMorte are set to produce “Screamboat” alongside Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy. Special effects will come from Christian Beckman’s Quantum Creation FX, Inc., with creature design from concept artist Christian Cordella. “Screamboat” is executive produced by Kali Pictures, Sleight of Hand Productions, Reckless Content and Julien Didon.
“Screamboat” will debut in theaters in 2025, with distribution by Iconic Events Releasing.