I HEART WILLIE: We Get Another Steamboat Willie-Inspired Slasher!

February 20, 2025

Introduction

Hewes Pictures has announced a very special one-night-only release of I Heart Willie. The film is a horrifying new Steamboat Willie-inspired slasher, hitting theaters across North America on February 26th. Directed by Alejandro G. Alegre, it is another horror reimagining of one of the most beloved cartoon characters in history.

Synopsis

Online Influencers Daniel and Nico are lured into investigating a property that is said to be home to a dark, malevolent force. An urban legend tells the tale of a boy born with deformities that lead to him being described as half-human and half-mouse. This would go on to inspire Walt Disney’s iconic Steamboat Willie. Abused and shunned by society, the boy, who became known as Willie, began to fashion a grotesque bodysuit from the skin of his victims.

David Vaughn stars as the titular character in “I Heart Willie” (2025). Photo courtesy of Hewes Pictures.

Over time, Willie’s story was resigned to folklore. That was until a string of disappearances attracted the attention of the local media. Subsequently, Daniel and Nico set out to shed light on the mystery. Subsequently, they unwittingly became pawns in a deadly game of survival.

Production

Filmed entirely on location in Michoacán, Mexico, I Heart Willie benefits from the unique perspectives of local producers Liz Sanchez and Arturo Renteria. In addition, a talented local crew from Mexico City brought this dark tale to life. I Heart Willie premiered to a sold-out audience at the Morbido Film Fest in Mexico City. Subsequently, it was given an encore screening due to overwhelming demand. The film went on to win Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director at several film festivals. Executive producer Princeton Holt released the following statement:

“We are beyond excited to share I Heart Willie with audiences. This film was made with horror fans in mind, delivering a truly unforgettable experience, full of scares, thrills, and that unsettling sense of nostalgia turned dark. We believe I Heart Willie will soon be a cult classic that’ll have fans talking long after the credits roll. And be sure to stay for the end credits. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s lurking there!”

Public Domain

Of course, this is not the first project to take advantage of the Steamboat Willie-era Mickey Mouse entering the public domain last year. Mickey’s Mouse Trap (2024) got there first and you can read our interview with the writer and co-star of that Mickey Mouse slasher here. There’s also a sequel in development, this time with ‘Minnie’ getting in on the bloody action.

Indeed, we are now in a growing cinematic landscape where the loveable likes of Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella, and Pinocchio have been reimagined through a horror lens as their original origin stories have entered the public domain, with more in the pipeline. Will I Heart Willie bring a similarly horrific reimagining of the iconic character? We have one night only to find out!