David Howard Thornton, the man who brought audiences one of the creepiest movie clowns, Art in the Terrifier series, is set to take his talents to the high seas in an upcoming horror movie, Screamboat. This horror comedy reimagines Steamboat Willie, Disney’s earliest version of Mickey Mouse, which entered the public domain on January 1st. Many, including Adult Swim, haven’t wasted any time capitalizing on. As Thornton gears up to play the mischievous and murderous mouse, I find myself less than thrilled by this casting news.
According to Variety, Screamboat will chronicle the harrowing tale of a group of New Yorkers whose late-night ferry ride turns into a nightmare when a mischievous mouse embarks on a murderous spree. The passengers must unite to halt the bloodthirsty rodent before their peaceful journey turns into a living hell. Now, don’t misunderstand me—I’m a huge fan of David. His portrayal of Art the Clown is nothing short of iconic. The silent, menacing killer with a penchant for gore has become a pillar of contemporary horror, giving us some wildly inventive, ruthless, and over-the-top deaths. But, his recent roles seem to suggest a trend toward typecasting, and that’s where my apprehension stems from.
The Nightwing: Escalation star’s venture into playing a horror version of the Grinch in The Mean One left much to be desired. The film, which turned Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic into a blood-soaked parody, failed to capture the comedy magic or the menace it aimed for. Instead, it felt like a half-baked attempt to cash in on the Gotham alum’s horror fame and spoofing on a beloved children’s character. The character he played in The Mean One was essentially Art the Clown in a furry green suit—silent, menacing, and lacking depth. This type of role, while initially captivating, is starting to feel redundant.
The cast for Screamboat includes Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Jesse Kove, and horror veterans like Jarlath Conroy and Charles Edwin Powell—Director Steven LaMorte, who also directed The Mean One–which causes me even more worry. If you want to get a sense of the style of the Dr. Suess spoof, you can check out the trailer below.
While the concept of turning Steamboat Willie into an iconic modern horror villain fit for the best horror movies is intriguing, the execution matters immensely. With LaMorte at the helm again, there’s a lingering worry that Screamboat will follow in the flawed footsteps of The Mean One. The novelty of seeing beloved characters twisted into horror versions is wearing thin, and Thornton playing yet another silent, menacing figure risks becoming a cliché.
David Howard Thornton's silent acting prowess is a force to be reckoned with. His portrayal of Art the Clown is a masterclass in conveying terror without uttering a single word, a feat that few actors can achieve. However, continually casting him in similar roles not only limits his potential but also risks becoming monotonous for the audience. It's high time we see him in roles that truly challenge his versatility and allow him to explore new horizons. How about a killer that speaks? That's a start.
As much as I admire the Terrifier performer’s work in the horror franchise, his casting as Steamboat Willie in Screamboat gives me pause. The horror genre needs fresh ideas and innovative approaches, not repetitive character archetypes. David’s talent deserves to shine in new and diverse roles, not be confined to the same silent killer motif. While I hope the forthcoming Mickey Mouse horror take proves me wrong and delivers a unique and thrilling experience, my expectations are tempered by the fear of seeing another half-baked horror spoof cash in.
Screamboat is set to take over theaters in 2025, with distribution by Iconic Events Releasing. As for Thornton and Terrifier, the upcoming third entry in the franchise is set to hit the 2024 movie schedule on October 11. To see what movies are headed to a theater near you.
