In a surprising twist just one day following the public domain release of *Steamboat Willie*, filmmaker Steven LaMorte expressed his ambition to produce a horror adaptation of the beloved Disney classic. After a wait of over a year, the distribution company Iconic Events Releasing successfully launched *Screamboat* in theaters for a limited engagement. Prior to this, their most prominent project was *Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare*, which is notably part of the larger Twisted Childhood Universe, also known informally as the Poohniverse.
*Screamboat*, like *Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare* and *Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey*, presents a violent and irreverent reimagining of a childhood favorite. This horror rendition featuring David Howard Thornton as a murderous version of Steamboat Willie embarks on a killing spree aboard a ferry in New York City. The film also showcases an extreme level of gore, akin to that found in other films within the Twisted Childhood Universe. Given these similarities, many viewers may wonder whether *Screamboat* exists within this dark universe, and the answer may be unexpected.
*Screamboat* Is Not Part of the Twisted Childhood Universe
Appealing to Fans of the Poohniverse
The parallels drawn between *Screamboat* and other films in the Twisted Childhood Universe are striking enough to prompt an investigation into their potential connections. With several new projects in the pipeline for 2025, including a variety of anticipated films, one might presume a link between these horror adaptations. However, it is essential to note that *Screamboat* does not belong to this cinematic universe, despite sharing a similar artistic tone and thematic elements. Nevertheless, fans of the Poohniverse are likely to find much to enjoy in *Screamboat* and vice versa.
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Upcoming Twisted Childhood Universe Movies (2025) |
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Title |
Release Date |
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Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare |
February 24, 2025 |
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Bambi: The Reckoning |
July 25, 2025 |
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Pinocchio: Unstrung |
TBD 2025 |
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Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble |
October 2025 |
The Twisted Childhood Universe Should Avoid A *Steamboat Willie* Movie
Confusion Over Separate Adaptations
Since the release of *Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey*, director Rhys Frake-Waterfield has continued to unveil new projects within the Twisted Childhood Universe, with several well-known characters set to appear in forthcoming films. In December 2024, the announcement that Mary Poppins would join the canon added intriguing possibilities to the genre. Now that *Steamboat Willie* has officially entered the public domain, the temptation to incorporate this character is high. However, it is crucial for the Twisted Childhood Universe to refrain from developing a *Steamboat Willie* project, particularly if *Screamboat* achieves commercial success.
Introducing another iteration of Steamboat Willie could lead to significant confusion among audiences, especially given the striking similarities in tone and presentation between *Screamboat* and the existing films in the Twisted Childhood Universe. Instead, inspired by the collaborative spirit often seen in indie horror, the Poohniverse could explore partnership opportunities, perhaps featuring David Howard Thornton’s version of Steamboat Willie in future crossover films after *Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble*.