Steamboat Willie Rob Zombie Movie Debunked: Fake Film Explained

A fake poster for a supposed Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie horror movie directed by Rob Zombie has caused quite a stir. Known for his gritty and twisted horror style, the rumor suggesting that Rob Zombie might direct such a film generated significant excitement. But is it true?

Each year, Public Domain Day sees numerous works of art—movies, shows, books—freed from copyright restrictions as their century-long block expires. In 2022, A.A. Milne’s original Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain, leading to its gruesome reinterpretation in Blood and Honey.

Mickey Mouse, specifically the Steamboat Willie version from the 1928 short film, is the most significant work to enter the public domain in 2024. As soon as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Day, a wave of bizarre projects featuring twisted versions of Mickey Mouse were announced, including two slasher movies and a horror video game. But is Rob Zombie’s film among them?

Is Rob Zombie’s “Steam Boat” Mickey Mouse Horror Movie Real?

No, Rob Zombie isn’t directing a Steamboat Willie horror movie. Despite the influx of peculiar Mickey Mouse interpretations, the filmmaker behind The Devil’s Rejects is not involved in any such project.

The rumor seems to have originated from YODA BBY ABY, a Facebook page known for spreading fake movie news and posters, such as a John Krasinski Die Hard remake and a non-existent NeverEnding Story sequel. The fake poster for Rob Zombie’s Steam Boat features a caption: “Prepare for a chilling descent into the depths of horror with STEAM BOAT, directed by Rob Zombie.”

What is Steamboat Willie?

Steamboat Willie is a 1928 American animated short film directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. The synopsis reads: “While piloting a steamboat, Mickey Mouse runs into Pete, the captain, and chaos ensues. Soon, he meets Minnie and starts playing music with the help of objects around him.”

The cartoon was a milestone in Disney’s history and has recently re-entered the public domain. Disney still holds a trademark on Mickey Mouse as a brand identifier and corporate mascot in the U.S., meaning merchandise remains protected.

The Origin of the Rumor

The fake poster’s tagline, “Things will get plane crazy,” references Plane Crazy, the short film originally intended to be Mickey Mouse’s first appearance. However, it couldn’t find a distributor and was released after Steamboat Willie. The fake description adds to the lore: “This twisted tale follows a serial killer, known as Willie, hauntingly inspired by the iconic 1928 cartoon reel, Steamboat Willie. Brace yourself for a waterlogged nightmare as Willie strikes fear in any body of water, flooding theaters with terror this October 2024.”

While the Rob Zombie rumor isn’t true, other Steamboat Willie horror projects have been confirmed for actual release. As the public domain shift brings more creative reinterpretations, fans can expect a variety of unique and bizarre takes on classic characters.

Find even more amazing movies, TV shows, true crime documentaries, and K-dramas to stream this month.

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