In a surprising turn of events, the iconic black-and-white short film "Steamboat Willie," which introduced Mickey Mouse to the world in 1928, has entered the public domain this year. And already, a horror movie adaptation titled "Screamboat" is set to hit the big screens next year.

According to Variety, the film is being brought to life by the production teams behind the bone-chilling "Terrifier 2" and the dark comedy "The Mean One." David Howard Thornton, known for his role as "Art the Clown" in the "Terrifier" series, is set to play the twisted version of Steamboat Willie in the upcoming film.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Thornton stated, "I'm beyond excited to join this incredible cast and bring Steamboat Willie to life with a horror twist. Screamboat is going to be a horrific and hilarious big-screen thrill ride that fans won't want to miss."

Joining Thornton in the cast are talented actors including Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Jesse Kove, Rumi C Jean-Louis, Jarlath Conroy, and Charles Edwin Powell. The film will be released in theaters in 2025 through Iconic Events Releasing.

In "Screamboat," a mischievous mouse terrorizes a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry ride, unleashing mayhem and murder on their relaxing commute. As the ship's motley crew of travelers finds themselves targeted by this killer creature with a taste for tourists, they must find a way to stop the bloodshed.

President and Co-Founder of Iconic Events, Steven Menkin, expressed his excitement about being part of this thrilling project, saying, "Allowing filmmakers like Steven LaMorte the opportunity to showcase their films in movie theaters nationwide and bring horror fans together to experience this unique story is what Iconic is all about. We are more than excited to partner together on Screamboat."

LaMorte, the director of the film, shared his enthusiasm as well, stating, "I'm thrilled to partner with Iconic Events Releasing to bring Screamboat to theaters across the country. We're collaborating with incredible artists both in front of the camera and behind the scenes to bring a very unhinged horror comedy to life in the way it's meant to be seen - on the big screen. We can't wait for audiences to meet our mischievous, murderous mouse!"

The film promises a mix of practical creature effects, miniatures, and cutting-edge virtual production to showcase its unhinged monster slashing its way through the fear-filled ferry. Christian Beckman's Quantum Creation FX, Inc. and concept artist Christian Cordella are teaming up to create the creature, using a combination of classic practical puppets and prosthetic makeup.

"Screamboat" is produced by Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, and Steven LaMorte in collaboration with horror heavyweights Steven Della Salla and Michael Leavy. The film aims to deliver a hilariously horrific twist on Disney's beloved mascot. Production is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024.

As fans eagerly anticipate the twisted adaptation of "Steamboat Willie," horror and comedy enthusiasts alike can look forward to a terrifying and darkly humorous cinematic experience when "Screamboat" sets sail in 2025.

(Note: This article is a fictional creative work based on the provided information.