The public domain is a double-edged sword, allowing filmmakers to create movies like Screamboat without obtaining permission from Disney, while also necessitating a nod to the iconic brand. A significant factor contributing to the film’s success is the subversive and mischievous twist of portraying a character like Steamboat Willie, long associated with Mickey Mouse and Disney, as a malevolent and violent entity.

The challenge lies in achieving this delicate balance. The latest trailer for Screamboat, scheduled for release on April 2, expertly navigates this tightrope. We hesitate to spoil it, as the experience is likely to evoke laughter, but essentially, every aspect of the trailer is designed to evoke Disney without directly referencing it. The trailer is available for viewing below.

The trailer’s use of fonts, music, and famous lines from films creates a striking juxtaposition between the cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere of Disney and the dark, horror elements, which is the primary draw for audiences. This balance is what piques our interest, and for that, the film deserves commendation.

The question remains whether the movie itself will maintain this balance and prove to be entertaining, intelligent, and enjoyable. With Steven LaMorte at the helm and a team that includes the creators of Terrifier 2 and 3, as well as David Howard Thornton, the actor behind Art the Clown, there is hope that Screamboat will deliver on its promise. The trailer suggests an audacious, silly, and unsettling experience.

The cast of Screamboat includes Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Jesse Kove, Kailey Hyman, Rumi C Jean-Louis, Jarlath Conroy, and Charles Edwin Powell, in addition to David Howard Thornton as Steamboat Willie. The film will have a limited release in select cinemas starting April 2, so those interested should act quickly. We will provide more updates on Screamboat in the lead-up to its release.

For more io9 news, check out the expected release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek projects, as well as the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the upcoming Doctor Who releases.