Steamboat Willie which is an iconic animated short film featuring Mickey Mouse is taking a chilling turn in a new horror movie. Director Steven LaMorte announced plans for a horror-comedy inspired by the classic 1928 cartoon, flipping the beloved character into a "sadistic" figure. The main character will be seen scaring unsuspecting ferry passengers instead of his usual cheerful self.

What do we know about Mickey Mouse's horror come-back?

The announcement came just after the early version of Mickey from Steamboat Willie entered the public domain. 

Steven LaMorte, known for his 2022 slasher film reimagining Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is set to start production on this untitled scary take in the spring. Variety reported on this eerie twist, sparking curiosity about this fresh, frightening spin on a beloved tale.

A twisted take on the beloved Classic characters

Expressing his excitement, LaMorte shared his vision, describing the potential for terror lurking behind the cheerful facade of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. He emphasized his love for these characters, intending to honor them by presenting them in a new and darker light. For LaMorte, it's not about ruining the characters or making a quick profit, but rather about exploring their depths and showcasing them in unconventional ways.

As part of the public domain shift, not just Mickey Mouse but also Winnie the Pooh's Tigger, introduced in A.A. Milne's The House in Pooh Corner in 1928, has made its way into public ownership. Tigger is set to appear in the sequel Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, a continuation of Rhys Waterfield's spine-chilling horror flick. This unexpected twist promises an intriguing, perhaps darker, side to these cherished childhood characters.