A chilling first look at the Mickey Mouse-inspired horror film has been unveiled. The beloved Disney icon is set to be transformed into a horror star in the new movie Screamboat. Disney retains all exclusive rights to its depiction of Mickey Mouse, however the character seen in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in 2024. It now means that specific version of Mickey Mouse can be used by non-Disney productions.
Discussing Film shared on Twitter: "First look at Steamboat Willie, played by Art the Clown actor David Howard Thornton, in a new 'STEAMBOAT WILLIE' horror movie. In theaters in April." An image of Thornton donned in a grotesque grey mouse costume, complete with oversized Mickey Mouse-style ears has been released.
The Terrifier star's face was hidden behind prosthetics, including a mouse nose, long whiskers and grey skin with folds and wrinkles around his eyes. The character of Steamboat Willie sported a large black hat, grubby grey trousers and held a pole with his rat-like hands, adorned with long grey talons.
Despite Thornton's impressive transformation, the images received a mixed response from critics who pleaded for an end to the trend of "public domain horror movies". One person responded to the tweet saying: "Can we stop Public Domain Horror movies right now? !" Another added: "First Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, now this. We just turning everything from the past into a horror movie now[? ]".
A third person commented: "What's with all the Disney horror movies lately? lol." Someone else shared: "I get the compulsion to reuse iconic media once it hits public domain, but why does it always have to be a horror movie? I mean, I guess it's a little better than some other "adult" entertainment, but still....", reports the Daily Star.
