STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A “twisted take” on “Steamboat Willie” is coming, courtesy of a Staten Island director who’s already transformed a Grinch-like character into a murderous Christmas foe.
According to Variety, “The Mean One” director Steven LaMorte will direct an untitled film based on Mickey Mouse’s cartoon debut. In it, the report said, “a sadistic mouse will torment a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.”
An image accompanying the story shows Mickey on what appears to be a Staten Island Ferry lookalike departing from Manhattan. Another orange boat showing more detailed ferry characteristics is visible in the background.
(Editor’s note: The subway system would have been too obvious, right? Rats, danger, weird noises, you know?)
Production is set to begin in the spring.
The version of Mickey Mouse that appeared in the 1928 film “Steamboat Willie” entered the public domain Monday.
“‘Steamboat Willie’ has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror,” LaMorte said in a press release, according to Variety. “It’s a project I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to unleash this twisted take on this beloved character to the world.”
LaMorte, a Monsignor Farrell High School graduate, released “The Mean One” in late 2022 in time for the holiday season.
Also Monday, New Dorp resident Michael Leavy, of Fuzz on the Lens Production, announced he’ll be joining the crew:
“Finally joining forces with our close friend from high school, myself and Steve Della Salla will be collaborating with ‘The Mean One’ director Steve LaMorte and his lovely wife Amy Schumacher LaMorte along with Martine Melloul on producing this one,” said Leavy, via Facebook.
Leavy served as assistant director and producer of “Terrifier 2,” a gruesome clown slasher that was so violent people allegedly were sick in movie theaters.
Damien Leone, a Staten Island director, was also at the helm…
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