Screamboatputs a horrifying twist on the short film Steamboat Willie, raising the question of whether it takes place in the Twisted Childhood Universe. Only one day after Steamboat Willie entered the public domain, filmmaker Steven LaMorte announced his intention to make a horror movie based on the Disney short film. After a year and three months of waiting, the distribution company Iconic Events Releasing broughtScreamboatto movie theaters for a limited release. Aside from the Terrifier movies, their biggest project beforeScreamboatisPeter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, which is part of theTwisted Childhood Universe, aka the Poohniverse.
LikePeter Pan’s Neverland Nightmareand theWinnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honeymovies, Screamboat puts a violent, gloriously sacrilegious twist on a childhood classic story. David Howard Thornton’shorror version of Steamboat Williegoes on a murderous rampage aboard a New York City ferry. Additionally, Screamboat has the same extreme level of gore as the Twisted Childhood Universe movies and similar prosthetic styles. With all these factors combined, the question naturally comes up as to whether Screamboat is part of the Twisted Childhood Universe, and the answer might surprise readers.
Screamboat Is Not Part Of The Twisted Childhood Universe
Screamboat Will Still Appeal To Fans Of The Poohniverse
The similarities between the Twisted Childhood Universe movies andScreamboatare so stark that I had to look up their possible connection when preparing forScreamboatcoverage. With a huge group of Twisted Childhood Universe movies slated for 2025 and seven more in development already, I thought I might have missed an announcement. However,Screamboatdoesn’t take place in the cinematic universe, despite having the same tone, style, and idea. That being said, they both appeal to the same audience. Fans of the Poohniverse movies should check outScreamboat, and vice versa.
TBD 2025
The Twisted Childhood Universe Shouldn’t Make A Steamboat Willie Movie
A Separate Steamboat Willie Movie Would Be Too Confusing, Given The Existing Similarities
SinceWinnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, Rhys Frake-Waterfield has continued to announce new additions to the Twisted Childhood Universe, many of whom are guaranteed to appear in the crossover film. In December 2024, they announcedMary Poppins would join the Winnie-the-Pooh horror franchise, which is a fun twist on the nanny. With Steamboat Willie officially in the public domain, the prospect of including the character is tempting. I enjoy the thought of Steamboat Willie eventually appearing alongside Pooh, Peter Pan, and Mary Poppins. Still, the Twisted Childhood Universe needs to refrain from making a Steamboat Willie movie ifScreamboatfinds success.
Winnie-the-Pooh’s Horror Crossover Character Update Raises The Stakes For This Massive Event (With A Huge Risk)
A character update for the upcoming horror crossover event Poohniverse raises the stakes for it but comes with a major risk and one challenge.
The inclusion of a separate Steamboat Willie character would be too confusing, given the similarities in style and visuals between Screamboat and the Twisted Childhood Universe. If anything, they should take inspiration from Sony and the MCU.The Poohniverse could make a deal to include David Howard Thornton’s Steamboat Willie in future crossovers afterPoohniverse: Monsters Assemble. Considering the indie horror world generally has a more collaborative attitude,Screamboat’s villain appearing in the Twisted Childhood Universe doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility.
