News broke on Tuesday that a second horror film inspired by Steamboat Willie, the earliest version of Disney’s beloved Mickey Mouse, is in development. This announcement comes just a day after the character entered the public domain. Director-producer Steven LaMorte, along with the producers of Terrifier 2, will be bringing this twisted take on the iconic children’s character to life. The first horror film centered on Steamboat Willie, titled Mickey’s Mouse Trap, released a new trailer yesterday, which has garnered much attention among fans. Additionally, a new indie horror video game called Infestation 88 was also announced following the character’s public domain debut. It seems that Mickey Mouse is venturing into darker territory than ever before.
LaMorte’s upcoming film will take audiences on a late-night boat ride through New York City that quickly turns into a harrowing battle for survival. As a mischievous mouse transforms into a monstrous creature, a group of unsuspecting tourists find themselves facing an enemy with a taste for human flesh. How will this motley crew of characters survive this terrifying ordeal?
Joining LaMorte in bringing this dark vision of Steamboat Willie to life are an accomplished group of producers. Amy Schumacher and Martine Melloul, who previously collaborated with LaMorte on the feature film “The Mean One,” have joined the project. This dynamic team will be complimented by Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy, both known for their work on Terrifier 2. With their combined expertise, there’s no doubt that this film will deliver bone-chilling scares.
LaMorte has expressed his excitement for this project, stating that “Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror.” This is a film he has dreamt of making, and he can’t wait to share his twisted take on this beloved character with the world. In an interview, LaMorte emphasized the project’s foundation in a genuine love for Disney’s characters. He sees himself and fellow filmmakers as children in a sandbox, using their toys in new and unexpected ways. This film isn’t about ruining these characters or making a quick buck, but rather about honoring them and presenting them in a fresh light.
While Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain, it’s important to note that more well-known iterations of Mickey Mouse will remain the sole property of Disney for the time being. A spokesperson for the company clarified that Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in their storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise. Despite this, it seems that the doors are opening for more creative interpretations of the iconic character.
The announcement of a horror film centered around Steamboat Willie marks an exciting and unexpected turn for Disney’s beloved Mickey Mouse. With Steven LaMorte at the helm and an impressive team of producers by his side, this film promises to unleash terror in a whole new way. While Disney will continue to protect its more recognizable versions of the character, it’s refreshing to see artists and filmmakers given the opportunity to explore the darker side of a beloved icon. Fans eagerly await this twisted take on Steamboat Willie and can’t wait to see Mickey Mouse in a completely different light.