Michael Joseph Branham (48) was arrested in Manhattan after allegedly sending a message threatening to bomb the 'Saturday Night Live' studio, where Colin Jost works.
Branham has a documented history of stalking Johansson, reportedly believing he is the father of one of her children and sporting a tattoo of her name.
A judge issued protection orders for both Johansson and Jost against Branham.
Why this matters:: This arrest underscores the serious and persistent threats public figures can face from obsessive individuals, impacting their safety and families.
Separately, the horror film 'Screamboat', a parody using the now public domain 'Steamboat Willie' character, recently hit screens.
The film's primary setting is a decommissioned Staten Island ferry, notably purchased by Colin Jost and Pete Davidson in 2022.
Why this matters:: It highlights an unusual convergence of Jost's personal security concerns with his business ventures and the sometimes bizarre landscape of modern entertainment, where classic characters enter the public domain for uses like horror parodies.
Michael Joseph Branham's alleged threat targeted Jost's workplace, the iconic SNL studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. According to court documents cited by the New York Post, the message read: "The next time, when you hear from me, I will be on CNN because I am going to blow up the Saturday Night Live audience with a bomb." This led to his arrest and charges including making terroristic threats. Bild reports Johansson had previously filed against Branham in late 2023, seeking a restraining order which couldn't be served at the time. Branham is being held on significant bail.
While Jost deals with this real-life threat, his investment ties into a fictional horror scenario. 'Screamboat', directed by Steven LaMorte and starring 'Terrifier' actor David Howard Thornton, turns the 1928 Mickey Mouse precursor into a killer rodent stalking passengers on a ferry. Reviews like IGN's note its gory, schlocky nature. The NY Post confirmed the filming location was indeed the retired ferry bought by Jost and Davidson, highlighting the director's specific choice to use the iconic NYC vessel (even if decommissioned) as a backdrop for the public domain horror flick.
Q: Who was arrested for stalking Scarlett Johansson?
Michael Joseph Branham, 48, was arrested for making threats against Johansson's husband, Colin Jost. He has a history of stalking the actress.
Q: What specific threat led to the arrest?
Branham allegedly sent a message threatening to detonate a bomb at the 'Saturday Night Live' studio.
Q: What is 'Screamboat'?
It's a low-budget horror film that uses the 1928 'Steamboat Willie' character (now in the public domain) as a killer mouse aboard a ferry.
Q: How is Colin Jost connected to the 'Screamboat' movie?
The movie was filmed on a decommissioned Staten Island ferry that Colin Jost and Pete Davidson purchased together.
The incident is a stark reminder of the security challenges faced by celebrities and their families.
The emergence of films like 'Screamboat' demonstrates the creative (and sometimes unsettling) uses of characters entering the public domain.
Life can present strange overlaps, such as a public figure facing threats linked to their workplace while their property serves as a set for a horror film.
What are your thoughts on classic characters like Steamboat Willie being reimagined in horror movies? Let us know in the comments!
Share this article with others interested in celebrity news and movie developments!
Bild.de: Scarlett Johanssons Stalker festgenommen target="_blank"
IGN: Screamboat Review (Illustrative) target="_blank"
New York Post: 'Screamboat' Filmed on Jost/Davidson Ferry (Illustrative) target="_blank"
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