Terrifier star David Howard Thornton steps into the spotlight once again, taking on the sinister role of Steamboat Willie in the upcoming slasher-comedy SCREAMBOAT (2025). Directed by Steven LaMorte, known for the holiday horror spoof The Mean One, this irreverent reimagining blends dark humor, brutal scares, and a satirical twist on classic animation.
The Plot:
Set aboard a vintage river steamboat, the story begins innocently enough with passengers enjoying an old-school cruise. However, their idyllic journey takes a horrifying turn when a deranged and murderous Steamboat Willie—armed with his devilish charm and an arsenal of cartoon-inspired mayhem—begins to stalk and kill them one by one.
David Howard Thornton, infamous for his chilling portrayal of Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise, brings a terrifying yet oddly charismatic energy to his portrayal of the psychopathic cartoon come to life. The trailer teases a chaotic blend of slapstick gore and surreal comedy as Willie uses everything from oversized hammers to deadly music notes in his gleefully violent rampage.
The Teaser:
Opening with black-and-white animation reminiscent of early 20th-century cartoons, the trailer quickly devolves into chaos. The whimsical whistling of Steamboat Willie transitions into chilling laughter as the screen flickers to scenes of blood-soaked corridors, panicked passengers, and creatively macabre kills.
What to Expect:
SCREAMBOAT is a darkly comedic and unapologetically wild film that plays with the boundaries of horror and satire. With tongue firmly in cheek, it pays homage to vintage animation while embracing over-the-top slasher tropes, promising a ride that’s both terrifying and hilariously absurd.
Release Date:
Set to sail into theaters in 2025, SCREAMBOAT is sure to leave audiences laughing—and screaming—all the way home. Anchors away, but beware: this is one cruise you might not survive!
