When I sat down to watch the new movie Screamboat, I was expecting to see Steamboat Willie killing people. What I didn’t anticipate was that the victims would be dressed as Disney characters, dropping Disney park references, and quoting lines from Disney movies like “Be our guest,” “Let it go,” or “Dead men tell no tales.” Despite its absurdity, the upcoming public domain horror film is a hilarious, gory tribute to all things Disney, packed with nods and references from start to finish.
In a recent video chat with io9, Steven LaMorte, the co-writer and director of Screamboat, shed light on the film’s origins. What sparked his love for Disney? Were there any boundaries he wouldn’t cross? How did all the references come into play? And was it always the plan for Willie to be a tiny, animated character?
Stay tuned for next week’s article, where we delve into the making of a big screen public domain horror film. Meanwhile, read on to discover how LaMorte’s lifelong Disney fandom inspired a movie about a murderous mouse. Screamboat hits theaters on April 2.
This interview has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
Germain Lussier, io9: I was expecting Screamboat to be a mix of horror, comedy, and scares. But the Disney references took me by surprise. Can you share a bit about your history with Disney and how that influenced the film?
Steven LaMorte: I’ve been a die-hard Disney fan since birth, thanks to a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal I received as a baby. I’ve always been drawn to the magic of Disney and the idea that anything is possible if you dream big. Making this film was a way for me to pay tribute to that ethos and have some fun in the process.
io9: How did you strike a balance between horror and Disney fandom in the movie? When did you decide to include princesses, Disney quotes, and other nods?
LaMorte: Contrary to popular belief, we actually adore Disney and hold its characters and stories in high regard. My co-writer and I wanted to infuse the film with elements that we found amusing, like dressing characters as princesses and dropping subtle Disney references throughout. It was all about finding the right moments to incorporate these nods while keeping the story engaging and entertaining.
We’re currently hosting early fan screenings, and it’s been rewarding to see viewers pick up on the Easter eggs we’ve scattered throughout the film. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or not, I believe there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Screamboat. And for those who catch the references, the experience is even more delightful.
io9: Speaking of references, I couldn’t help but notice a resemblance between the lead actress and a popular Disney YouTuber. Was that intentional?
LaMorte: That resemblance was not intentional, but it’s interesting that you picked up on it. We had to make some last-minute changes to certain references, and not all of them made it into the final cut of the film.
Dan ada beberapa hal yang entah kita tembak dan tidak digunakan, atau tidak akhirnya kita tembak karena berapa banyak lelucon yang bisa kita ceritakan sebelum [itu terlalu banyak]? Jadi ada beberapa hal yang tidak masuk. Tetapi ada satu tempat di mana [SPOILER DIREDAM] seharusnya berada, saya tidak ingat namanya, tetapi Mouseketeer pertama. Kami memiliki nama wanita itu, tapi legal tidak akan membersihkannya karena dia orang nyata. Jadi kami harus mengubahnya. Tapi itu adalah salah satu di mana kami seperti, “Oh, itu adalah kesempatan yang terlewatkan untuk memiliki Mouseketeer asli [di film].” Teror star David Howard Thornton sebagai Willie di Screamboat. – Sklae Lorand. Tetapi Anda berhasil mendapatkan urutan animasi Steamboat Willy yang sangat keren di sana. Saya tidak akan merusak spesifiknya, tetapi bisakah Anda memberitahu saya sedikit lebih banyak tentang asal-usulnya, bagaimana itu berkembang, dan masuk ke dalam film?