‘I Heart Willie’ Brings a Terrifying Twist to ‘Steamboat Willie’

Hewes Pictures has announced a special one-night theatrical release for I Heart Willie, a macabre reimagining of Steamboat Willie, set to hit cinemas across North America on February 26, 2025. Directed by Alejandro G. Alegre, this unsettling slasher film takes the iconic imagery of Walt Disney’s earliest cartoon and twists it into something far more sinister.

With a premise built on urban legend, I Heart Willie follows two popular YouTubers, Daniel and Nico, as they explore a supposedly haunted property with ties to the origins of Steamboat Willie. The legend tells of a boy, born with severe deformities that made him resemble a human-mouse hybrid, who lived a life of torment and isolation. Over time, he became the inspiration for Disney’s famous character—though his real story is anything but magical. Abused and outcast, the boy eventually turned into a violent figure of folklore, crafting a grotesque bodysuit from the skin of those who dared trespass on his land. As Daniel and Nico set up for their usual round of haunted investigation, they quickly discover that this particular legend isn’t just a story—it’s real, and it’s hungry for blood.

David Vaughn, who penned the script, also takes on the chilling role of Willie. The cast includes Maya Luna, Micho Camacho, Sergio Rogalto, and Daniela Porras, with longtime collaborators Princeton Holt (2050) and Vaughn (American Rust) producing. The film had its world premiere at the Morbido Film Fest in Mexico City, where it played to a packed audience and received such overwhelming demand that an encore screening was added. Garnering awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director at various film festivals, I Heart Willie is already generating buzz as a future cult favourite.

Executive producer Princeton Holt believes the film will strike a chord with horror fans. “This was made for the genre crowd, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it together in theatres. It’s packed with horror, tension, and fun. And a little advice—don’t leave before the credits finish rolling. You might miss something.”

Filmed entirely on location in Michoacán, Mexico, the film benefited from the expertise of local producers Liz Sanchez and Arturo Renteria, who helped shape the eerie and authentic atmosphere. I Heart Willie is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Rubey Entertainment, an industry leader in digital event production and distribution.

Tickets and showtimes for this limited theatrical event are available at iheartwillie.com.

I Heart Willie trailer