Hey there! Let’s take a moment to talk about the Screamboat trailer. Forget the headings; we’re keeping it smooth and flowing. Here we go!
The first trailer for Screamboat was released on February 27, 2025, and wow, it’s something else. IndieWire unleashed this wild red-band trailer, and both horror enthusiasts and casual viewers can’t get enough. Directed by Steven LaMorte, who brought us The Mean One, this film reimagines the classic 1928 Steamboat Willie—yes, the iconic Mickey Mouse cartoon—into a hilarious and gory adventure on the Staten Island Ferry. David Howard Thornton, famous for his role as Art the Clown in the Terrifier series, leads the cast as a menacing mouse. That’s right—a small, frenzied creature going after ferry passengers like it’s a piece of cake. The trailer gives us a mix of laughs and scares, with scenes of blood and comedy crashing together like waves on the water.
Thornton really nails this role. After his time as Art, he spent four hours in makeup every day to transform into this creepy Steamboat Willie, studying the original cartoon to perfect those playful yet unsettling moves. In the trailer, he prowls the deck, his nose twitching like a wild Easter egg, and it’s hard to look away. LaMorte describes the movie as a “love letter” to the character, but make no mistake—this isn’t sweet. It’s a love letter drenched in blood, featuring practical effects, miniatures, and some sharp virtual production that turns this mouse into a true nightmare. And where’s all this happening? On the real Staten Island Ferry, which SNL’s Colin Jost and Pete Davidson grabbed in 2022. Filming on an actual boat—not some fake set—adds a raw and chaotic feel that you can sense in every shot. LaMorte mentioned that random folks were shouting at the crew while they filmed, and it definitely adds to that real, gritty energy.
The cast is impressive, too. You have Allison Pittel as Selena, Amy Schumacher as Amber, Jesse Posey as Pete, and Jesse Kove as Lieutenant Diaz, along with seasoned actors like Jarlath Conroy and Charles Edwin Powell. Plus, there are some fun cameos—Tyler Posey from Teen Wolf, Brian Quinn from Impractical Jokers, and Joe DeRosa from Better Call Saul all pop in for a laugh. The trailer hints that this cast is fully onboard with the craziness. Speaking of craziness, just imagine a late-night ferry ride in NYC turning into a slasher show when Thornton’s mouse starts slicing through passengers. Blood flies, limbs go everywhere, and somehow it’s hilarious—it’s the perfect blend of humor and horror that fans of Terrifier will love.
The buzz online is already intense. Early screenings, like one in Vegas, caught reactions where people yelled things like “you have to see this!” On the internet, opinions vary—some Reddit threads call it a cash grab, while others support Thornton and the Terrifier team (Schumacher, Steven Della Salla, Michael Leavy) for their creative spin. The trailer is filled with clever references and nods to horror, making it a delight for fans who appreciate those little touches. Unlike the recent Winnie the Pooh horror flick, this one feels ambitious, with genuine ferry action, real kills, and a fun atmosphere. Iconic Events Releasing is set to bring it to theaters on April 2nd, with DeskPop Entertainment later managing the digital release, so there are plenty of ways to check out this wild ride.
In short, the Screamboat trailer is a bold move against playing it safe and a big thumbs up for anyone who enjoys their horror with a side of humor. While Thornton’s murderous mouse takes center stage, the ferry backdrop, talented cast, and LaMorte’s wild vision create an unforgettable mood. Head over to IndieWire to watch it, prepare for the chaos, and get ready to laugh and scream all through April. This is definitely horror with a twist, and I can’t wait to see it!
