Screamboat 2: Minnie Mouse Joins Steamboat Willie in 'Nothing Stays Dead'

Get ready to set sail for more bloody mayhem! The killer Steamboat Willie is back for a sequel, Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead, and this time, he's bringing a terrifying new partner: Minnie Mouse!

TL;DR

• A sequel to the horror-comedy Screamboat is officially in development, titled Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead.
• Director Steven LaMorte confirms the original film's cliffhanger will introduce a murderous Minnie Mouse alongside Steamboat Willie.
• Production is slated for 2026, with most of the original cast, including David Howard Thornton as Steamboat Willie, expected to return.

Steamboat Willie's Bloody Return: A Sequel is Docked and Ready for More!

Hold onto your hats, horror fans, because the public domain horror universe is expanding its watery reign! Just when you thought the Staten Island Ferry was safe, news has dropped that Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead is officially happening. Director Steven LaMorte, the mastermind behind the first film (and the Grinch-inspired horror flick, The Mean One), confirmed the sequel, promising even more "miniature murder and mayhem."

For those who bravely boarded the first Screamboat, you'll remember a gruesome, goofy ride where Steamboat Willie, the classic 1928 cartoon mouse, turned a peaceful ferry commute into a bloodbath. Now, it looks like Willie's not just back from the dead – he's bringing a friend, or perhaps, a terrifying partner in crime. That's right, folks: Minnie Mouse is set to join the horror show!

Minnie Mouse Makes Her Sinister Debut in the Public Domain Horror Realm

The biggest splash from the sequel announcement is undoubtedly the confirmation that Minnie Mouse will be making her terrifying debut. The first Screamboat ended on a cliffhanger, teasing the arrival of "another murderous public-domain icon," and now we know it's Willie's long-lost love interest, Minnie. Imagine the chaotic carnage these two classic characters can unleash when they're not singing and dancing!

The filmmakers behind Screamboat 2 are already hyping up what fans can expect, teasing that the sequel will "build on that legacy with even more outrageous set pieces and gruesome comedy." If the first film's blend of gory horror and unexpected Disney Easter eggs was any indication, then a dual killer mouse team-up promises to dial the madness up to eleven. It’s a bold move, and honestly, we’re here for the cartoon calamity.

"I’m thrilled to announce the sequel to our bloody horror comedy. We had so much fun bringing these iconic characters to life with a bloody twist, and I look forward to returning to the world of Screamboat to create even more miniature murder and mayhem."

— Steven LaMorte, Director of Screamboat

Who's Returning to Face the Mayhem? Unconfirmed Cast and Crew Updates

While official cast announcements are still under wraps, the good news is that "most" of the original cast from Screamboat is expected to return. This includes David Howard Thornton, who masterfully brought the menacing Steamboat Willie to life. Thornton is no stranger to playing terrifying characters, as he’s also known for his chilling portrayal of Art the Clown in the popular Terrifier franchise. His experience with over-the-top, practical effects-heavy horror will no doubt serve him well in doubling down on the "murder and mayhem" promised for the sequel.

Other familiar faces from the first film, such as Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, and Kailey Hyman, are also anticipated to reprise their roles. Given the high body count of Steamboat Willie's initial rampage on the Staten Island Ferry, the sequel's subtitle, Nothing Stays Dead, might hint at some surprising resurrections beyond just our furry antagonists. We'll have to wait and see if any of the human victims get a second (unfortunate) chance at life.

Behind the scenes, the original film's producers, Amy Schumacher, Martine Melloul, Steven Della Salla, and Michael Leavy, are likely to be involved again. And let's not forget the incredible creature effects from Christian Beckman's Quantum Creation FX, Inc., and the designs by Christian Cordella, which helped make Steamboat Willie's murderous form so effectively creepy yet cartoonish.

The Rise of Public Domain Horror: A New Golden Age of Twisted Terror

Screamboat was a groundbreaking film in many ways, capitalizing on the moment Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in January 2024. This move opened the floodgates for creators to put their own twisted spins on the beloved character, giving rise to multiple horror adaptations like The Mouse Trap and I Heart Willie. Screamboat distinguished itself by being one of the first and most prominent, quickly making a name for itself in this burgeoning subgenre.

The success (and even the notoriety) of films like Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey proved that there’s a real appetite for seeing cherished childhood characters re-imagined as terrifying monsters. This trend has since exploded, with projects announced for everyone from Bambi (Bambi: The Reckoning) to Peter Pan (Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare) and even Cinderella's Ugly Stepsisters. Screamboat proudly carries this torch, blending nostalgic adoration with grotesque violence in a way that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.

Director Steven LaMorte even cheekily commented on his initial film that he hoped Disney wouldn't "come after us" for "lovingly pok[ing] fun at all things Disney; it's corporate culture, TV shows, lore and pricing - all of it." It's clear that the creative team is having a blast playing within these newly opened legal boundaries, pushing the envelope for what these iconic figures can become.

Recap of the Original Screamboat: A Wild and Critically Mixed Ferry Ride

Released earlier this year, specifically on April 2, 2025, Screamboat took audiences on a wild, bloody journey aboard the Staten Island Ferry. The premise was simple yet effective: a mischievous, monstrous Steamboat Willie unleashed murder and mayhem on unsuspecting New Yorkers. While the film had a limited theatrical run, earning $393,011 against a reported $2 million budget, its true reach came through streaming and home video.

Critics gave Screamboat a mixed reception, with a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but horror fans often praised David Howard Thornton’s performance and the film’s chaotic, over-the-top nature. Many appreciated the unique blend of gory horror infused with surprising Disney Easter eggs, creating a truly distinct experience. If you haven't seen it yet, it's currently streaming on Peacock and is slated for a SteelBook Blu-ray release in January, making it easy to catch up before the sequel arrives.

Behind the Scenes Magic: Making a Tiny Terror Big on Screen with Special Effects

One of the impressive aspects of the first Screamboat was how the filmmakers brought the "miniature" terror of Steamboat Willie to life. Director Steven LaMorte revealed that David Howard Thornton, despite being a human actor, spent a grueling four-and-a-half hours in makeup to transform into the iconic mouse. To make Willie appear truly tiny and creature-like on screen, they employed a variety of cinematic "magic tricks."

This included using puppets for walking shots, implementing LED walls, and clever forced perspective techniques. They even utilized oversized props to make Thornton's Willie feel disproportionately small, ensuring he didn't just look like "a guy in a suit or a mascot at a theme park." These efforts were crucial in selling the comedic and horrific elements of a tiny, yet deadly, public domain icon. Fans can certainly expect these innovative techniques to return and perhaps be even more refined for Screamboat 2 as they tackle a two-mouse show!

The Future is Bloody: What's Next for Public Domain Characters in Film?

The announcement of Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead solidifies the ongoing trend of public domain horror. It demonstrates that even if a film doesn't break box office records, its digital life and cult following can still warrant a sequel. As more classic characters continue to enter the public domain in the coming years, we can anticipate an even greater influx of creative, and often terrifying, re-imaginings.

This subgenre has carved out a niche, offering a blend of nostalgia, parody, and genuine scares that resonates with a specific audience. The promise of "even more outrageous set pieces and gruesome comedy" for Screamboat 2 suggests the filmmakers are embracing the genre's inherent absurdity and pushing it further. It’s an exciting time for horror fans who love a good, bloody twist on familiar tales, and Screamboat 2 is set to be another wild, unforgettable voyage.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Screamboat 2 Answered When is Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead expected to be released? While development is set to begin in 2026, a specific release date for Screamboat 2 has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for updates! Will the original cast of Screamboat return for the sequel? Most of the original cast, including David Howard Thornton as Steamboat Willie, are expected to return, though formal announcements are still pending. Which classic public domain characters will appear in Screamboat 2? The sequel will feature both the murderous Steamboat Willie and introduce his equally terrifying love interest, Minnie Mouse. Where can I watch the first Screamboat movie? Screamboat is currently available to stream on Peacock. It's also expected to be released on SteelBook Blu-ray in January. Sources

• Variety - Steamboat Willie Horror Sequel ‘Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead’ Announced, Will Feature Minnie for ‘More Miniature Murder and Mayhem’ (EXCLUSIVE)
• Bloody Disgusting - ‘Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead’ – Just-Announced Horror Sequel Will Feature Minnie Mouse
• ScreenRant - Screamboat 2 Confirmed: Minnie Mouse Joins Mickey Mouse Slasher Sequel
• JoBlo.com - Screamboat 2: Nothing Stays Dead will bring Minnie Mouse into the horror comedy action
• A.V. Club - Minnie Mouse boards the public domain horror universe with Screamboat 2
• Bang Showbiz - Screamboat Willie sequel announced with Minnie to feature in horror flick
• ComingSoon.net - Screamboat 2: Mickey Mouse Horror Movie Gets Title, Adds Minnie & More