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New Horror Film “Screamboat” Unleashes Killer Mouse on Staten Island Ferry
New Yorkers have a novel terror to contemplate: a homicidal Mickey Mouse-inspired character. The horror movie “Screamboat,” currently playing in theaters, features David Howard Thornton (known for his role as Art the Clown in “Terrifier”) as Willie, a monstrous rodent who terrorizes passengers during nighttime voyages on New York City’s iconic Staten Island Ferry.
A Familiar Ferry, A Frightening Twist
Adding to the film’s intrigue, the decommissioned ferry showcased in “Screamboat” gained notoriety after being purchased by comedians Pete Davidson and Colin Jost for $280,000. This recognizable vessel becomes the backdrop for gruesome events in the movie.
From Steamboat Willie to Screamboat Willie: Public Domain Horror
The movie’s eerie, large-eared villain aboard the doomed ferry is clearly inspired by the classic 1928 Disney cartoon “Steamboat Willie,” Disney’s inaugural Mickey Mouse animation. However, Disney is unlikely to pursue legal action, as the original animated short entered the public domain last year. This allows filmmakers to reimagine and repurpose the source material, as seen with other public domain adaptations such as “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.”
Staten Island Ferry: The Perfect Setting for Terror
Director Steven LaMorte, a Staten Island native, explained the genesis of the project. “I’m from Staten Island, and I’ve always wanted to create a horror movie on the Staten Island Ferry—specifically a slasher or murder mystery,” LaMorte told The Post. He highlighted the inherent tension of the ferry commute, noting that passengers are essentially confined during the waterborne journey.
“Once the ferry departs, it becomes 22 minutes of potential terror.”
Inspiration and Research: Riding the Ferry for Horror
LaMorte, who previously directed “The Mean One,” a horror parody of Dr. Seuss’ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” sought to continue in the horror-comedy genre. The impending public domain status of “Steamboat Willie” sparked his creativity.
“I conducted some research and discovered that the Staten Island Ferry was historically powered by steam,” the director stated. “This connection gave us our ‘steamboat,’ our monster, and the ideal setting for a killer, mischievous mouse movie – the Staten Island Ferry against the New York City skyline.”
Exploring the Ferry for “Cartoon Carnage”
To prepare, LaMorte and his wife, Amy Schumacher, who also stars in and produced the film, repeatedly rode the Staten Island Ferry—sometimes 15 to 20 times in a single day. Their goal was to meticulously examine the ferry’s layout and identify locations for “cartoon carnage.”
“We scrutinized all the access panels and hatches, considering where a mouse might emerge or what would be an optimal location for a scene,” he detailed. “Venturing into areas typically off-limits to the public, like the surprisingly expansive engine room and the captain’s deck, proved particularly inspiring for recreating iconic ‘Steamboat Willie’ moments.”
Pete Davidson and Colin Jost’s Ferry: A Secretive Set
Filming on an active ferry was not feasible, leading the production to utilize a decommissioned vessel. This is where Pete Davidson and Colin Jost’s ferry purchase became crucial.
Acquiring their floating film set involved an element of secrecy. “I cannot comment on the ferry’s ownership,” the director stated diplomatically.
“We definitively utilized a decommissioned New York City ferry. The public and internet can speculate about its origins and owner. However, a quick online search should clarify matters.” Numerous news outlets have indeed reported the ferry’s connection to the “SNL” stars.
Authenticity and Detail: A New York Story
LaMorte emphasized his commitment to authenticity, recognizing that New Yorkers are discerning about depictions of their city.
“As a New Yorker, you possess an innate sense,” he explained. “You can discern when something is inauthentic; you can practically smell Canada and immediately sense when something is ‘off.'”
Consequently, meticulous attention was paid to the ferry’s details, from the accents of Willie’s victims to filming at the actual Staten Island ferry terminal with city cooperation. Even the budget-friendly beer served at the Liberty Cafe was accurately represented.
Walt Disney’s Potential Reaction: Approval from Beyond?
Reflecting on how Walt Disney might react to this bloody reimagining of his classic character, LaMorte offered a hopeful perspective.
“I believe he would appreciate our approach and our determination to overcome obstacles and realize this seemingly improbable vision,” LaMorte concluded.
“I hope that, wherever his purported frozen head may be, he approves of our endeavors.”