Introduction
comedy-horror film that reimagines the 1928 classic animated short Steamboat Willie with a terrifying twist. The movie follows a group of passengers on a midnight ferry ride in New York City, where they encounter a monstrous, mutated rat that turns their journey into a living nightmare. With a unique blend of horror and dark humor, Screamboat promises a thrilling cinematic experience.
Director and Producers
- Director: Steven La Morte
- Producers: Amy Schumacher, Martin Meloul, Steven La Morte, Steven Della Salla, Michael Leavy
Main Cast
- David Howard Thornton (Terrifier) as the sinister rat
- Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf)
- Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai)
- Amy Schumacher (The Mean One)
- Jesse Posey (Selena: The Series)
- Caleigh Hyman (Terrifier 2)
- Jarlath Conroy (Day of the Dead)
- Charles Edwin Powell (The Exorcist III)
Plot Summary
Set in the heart of New York City, Screamboat follows a group of late-night ferry passengers who find themselves trapped with a nightmarish, bloodthirsty rat. As the creature hunts them down one by one, the passengers must work together to survive. The film is a mix of dark humor, gore, and classic horror elements, delivering a unique and terrifying experience.
Production and Development
Following Steamboat Willie entering the public domain on January 1, 2024, director Steven La Morte quickly announced Screamboat. Filming began in early 2024, and the movie was officially released on April 2, 2025.
Release Dates
- Croatia: March 20, 2025
- Russia: March 20, 2025
- Poland: March 21, 2025
- United States: April 2, 2025
Language and Runtime
- Language: English
- Runtime: 101 minutes
Box Office Performance
Since its release, Screamboat has gained significant attention due to its unique premise and talented cast. While exact box office numbers are yet to be confirmed, early projections suggest it will perform well, particularly among horror and cult film enthusiasts.
Expectations and Highlights
A dark reimagination of a classic animated filmFeatures Terrifier star David Howard Thornton in a chilling roleA unique mix of horror, comedy, and suspense
Box Office Earnings:
As of April 2, 2025, Screamboat has been released in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. While exact box office figures are not yet available, early projections suggest a modest performance. According to an IMDb list, the film had an opening weekend projection of approximately $8 million, with anticipated domestic earnings around $20 million and international earnings about $15 million, totaling an estimated worldwide gross of $35 million. The film’s budget is reported to be approximately $500,000, indicating a potential for profitability despite modest earnings.
Critical Reception:
Screamboat has received predominantly negative reviews from critics. The Guardian described the film as lacking originality, wit, and humor, criticizing its slow pacing and poorly executed scenes. The review also noted that the film fails to recover from its sluggish opening and suffers from subpar lighting and editing.
Final Thoughts:
While Screamboat has garnered attention due to its unique premise and the public domain status of its inspiration, early indications suggest that it may not achieve significant commercial success or critical acclaim. However, its low production budget may allow it to achieve modest profitability, and audience reception could differ from critical reviews. As more box office data becomes available, a clearer picture of the film’s performance will emerge.
