Disney has unveiled an enchanting new short film, titled "A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus," in a collaborative effort with the Oscar-acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi. Premiering exclusively on YouTube today, this heartwarming tale charts the adventures of a young boy who, during a serene seaside vacation, discovers an intriguing octopus attached to his head.
Upon returning home, the boy embarks on a journey of genuine friendship with his aquatic friend, introducing the octopus to the wonders of his terrestrial life. Together, they harness the mystical power of the Force with a Jedi lightsaber, engage in playful battles with a Buzz Lightyear action figure, and trace Santa Claus's global route using the map on the boy's wall. With the octopus nestled under his Mickey Mouse beanie, the boy ventures out into the world to share the festive joys with his beloved octopus companion.
As they watch the timeless Disney holiday classic, "The Santa Clause" (1994), the boy gains insight into the octopus's insatiable curiosity and desire to explore the vast wonders of the world. Inspired by this, he devises a plan to grant his friend this incredible experience. For both the boy and the octopus, it's the cherished, everyday moments of childhood camaraderie, intertwined with the seasonal magic, that make their bond so profoundly meaningful.
The film is laden with numerous subtle references, or "easter eggs," that nod to beloved Disney films such as "Moana" (2016), "Lilo & Stitch" (2002), and "Toy Story" (1995), among others.
"This story masterfully intertwines the holiday emotions—joy, goodwill, and beyond—with the same heartfelt sentiments and sensibilities that resonate in Disney films," Waititi remarks. "I believe they complement each other seamlessly, creating a perfect union—a match made in Disney heaven, if you will—and only Disney, alongside me, could have crafted something so magical."
Meticulously crafted in harmonious collaboration with the global creative奇才s of adam&eveDDB and the forward-thinking team at Untold Studios, and brought vividly to life by Hungry Man, this short film stands as an enchanting and breathtaking spectacle. It masterfully features a mesmerizing, melodious reinterpretation of the timeless classic "Part of Your World" from the beloved Disney masterpiece, The Little Mermaid (1989), intertwining seamlessly with its narrative to highlight the octopus' poignant longing to venture beyond the ocean's depths and explore the vast, unknown world above the waves. This captivating rendition of the iconic tune was brought to life with stunning fervor by a magnificent 60-piece symphony orchestra, and meticulously mixed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, adding an unparalleled layer of depth and richness to the musical experience.
Tim Pennoyer, Director of Brand Marketing and the driving force behind the campaign, shared with AWN, "Our foremost challenge in bringing A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus to life was creating an octopus character that balanced realism with profound emotional depth. Partnering with our extraordinary allies at adam&eveDDB and the VFX masters at Untold Studios, we knew we were setting an ambitious benchmark—an octopus with eight independently mobile, shape-shifting tentacles capable of altering its skin color, while also emanating the warmth and charm indispensable to our tale. This was the most intricate character Untold Studios had ever animated, demanding unparalleled precision in VFX to capture its intricate movements and transformations."
He continued, "The octopus needed to breathe life and resonate with audiences, possessing a full spectrum of motion that would render it truly magical on screen. It posed a monumental technical and creative hurdle, but we recognized its central role in etching an unforgettable story into viewers' hearts. Countless hours were devoted to scrutinizing each scene featuring the octopus, debating every nuance of its facial expressions and even the sounds it emitted. These meticulous details collectively breathed life into our character."
"For countless generations, Disney has been an integral part of the holiday season worldwide, and this short builds upon the timeless bond that numerous families share with Disney during this magical period," remarked Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer at The Walt Disney Company. "We are elated to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless tale of childhood friendship, set against the enchanting backdrop of the holiday season."
A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus marks the latest creative synergy between Waititi and The Walt Disney Company. The acclaimed filmmaker, who helmed Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Searchlight Pictures' Jojo Rabbit (2019) and Next Goal Wins (2023), also served as executive producer on Hulu's Reservation Dogs, What We Do in the Shadows, and the forthcoming limited series, Interior Chinatown.
