The Steamboat Willie-inspired horror movie Screamboat will hit theaters before being releasing for streaming and VOD, and here’s all the available information. The Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse is just one of the many characters and franchises to lose their copyright in the 2020s, opening up a world of possibilities for filmmakers. One day after Steamboat Willie became part of the public domain, director Steven LaMorte announced he was developing a horror movie based on the character and Disney short.
Screamboat isn’t the first Steamboat Willie horror movie, but it’s certainly the most exciting given the premise and producers. The 2025 film follows a group of New York ferry riders who get attacked late at night by a murderous mouse. With horror alumnus David Howard Thornton playing Steamboat Willie, Screamboat is sure to thrill audiences. Luckily, the film is finally hitting theaters, and it will undoubtedly be available for streaming and VOD down the line.
Screamboat Releases In Theaters On April 2, 2025
Screamboat Will Have A Limited Theatrical Release
Although the movie was initially planned for January 2025, Screamboat’s release got pushed out. The horror-comedy film will now release in the US and Canada on April 2, 2025. Since Screamboat is only receiving a limited release, the movie will only come out in traditional 2D rather than having multiple formats available. Additionally, tickets could be harder to come by in some less populated locations unless they add a wider release at a later date. Since Screamboat isn’t rated by the MPA, potential viewers should prepare for most theater chains to treat the film as Rated-R.
Find Showtimes For Screamboat
Readers can find theatrical showtimes, starting April 2, 2025, through these links:
- Fandango
- Regal
- AMC Theaters
- Alamo Drafthouse
- Cineplex
- Cinemark
Screamboat Final Trailer
When Will Screamboat Release On Streaming?
Screamboat Doesn’t Have An Official Streaming Release Date, Yet
The primary distribution company for Screamboat is Iconic Events, which is only five years old. As such, they don’t have a consistent time frame for their movies to reach streaming and VOD. However, the existing data from the past two years indicates that Screamboat will most likely reach streaming around mid-May.
As for where the movie will land, that’s a question mark. DeskPop Entertainment is helping handle the streaming distribution of the Mickey Mouse horror movie, Screamboat. Based on their existing partnerships, Screamboat could land on Netflix, Paramount+ with Showtime, Hulu, MGM+, Prime Video, or Tubi. That being said, it’s still possible that another streaming platform will attain the rights. In the past, popular Iconic Events films have streamed on Shudder and ScreamBox.
When Will Screamboat Release On Digital?
Screamboat’s VOD Release Could Take A While
Most theatrically released films go through an exclusive period in theaters, then transition to VOD for a period, and finally release on streaming later. However, Iconic Events has a peculiar trend – most of their movies typically hit streaming before VOD. The VOD releases vary from 36 days to 221 days after theatrical. As such, Screamboat could be available for digital purchase and rental as early as May 8 or as late as November 9, depending on the demand from fans and success at the box office.
