Signature EntertainmentDexerto caught up with Terrifier star David Howard Thornton, who transforms into Steamboat Willie’s iteration of Mickey Mouse in the new horror movie Screamboat – and he says there’s a reason Disney lovers should tune in.
Thornton is a fully fledged icon in the horror realm, having taken over the mantle of Art the Clown in the 2016 hit Terrifier. His ability to make us cackle and cower in equal measure is further showcased in the sequel and last year’s threequel, Terrifier 3, proving himself to be arguably the best slasher villain of the past decade.
Now, he’s switching his bald cap and clown suit for mouse ears and matted fur, as he takes on the lead role in Steven LaMorte’s Screamboat. The new movie was announced shortly after Steamboat Willie – the 1928 cartoon that introduced the Mickey Mouse for the first time – became public domain.
If you’re a fan of the Terrifier movies, you’ll undoubtedly want to check out this horror-comedy for Thornton’s performance alone. But Disney fans will find plenty to enjoy too.
David Howard Thornton says Disney fans will “love” Screamboat
Ahead of the release of Screamboat, Dexerto spoke with Thornton, who revealed that rather than taking the Mickey (pun intended) in the House of Mouse, it is packed full of fun Easter eggs and homages.
“This movie’s got a lot of heart behind it. It’s got a love put into it, not just for the love story that’s in there but also just love for the Disney brand that so many of us grew up on, especially myself,” Thornton told us.
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“I’ve been a lifelong Disney brat, so I loved it.”
When asked how he thinks Disney fans will react to Screamboat, he replied, “I think they will love it. I think they will probably get more out of this movie than most people, especially if they’re Disney fans and also horror fans.
“ There’s so many Easter eggs in it. That adds to the rewatch value of the movie because those people want to go back and rewatch the movie again and see if they can pick up all the Easter eggs and the inside jokes.”
Signature EntertainmentThe Art the Clown star went on to highlight the “hidden Mickeys” in Screamboat. Of course, he wasn’t going to give away where they can be found – you’ll have to see for yourself. “That’s part of the fun,” he added.
Although there’s a lot of love for Disney in the new horror movie, there is also a subtle dig at the franchise in there, when Steamboat Willie “raises the price” of a product. “That’s such a Disney thing to do,” joked Thornton.
Screamboat will hit US cinemas on April 2, 2025, and arrive exclusively at Vue in the UK the same day.
In the meantime, check out our ranking of the best horror movies ever made, the scariest horrors based on true stories, and find out what we know about Terrifier 4.
