We’ve had festive campaigns from Lidl, Boots and M&S, to name just a few, and now it’s fan-favourite Disney’s turn.
The global filmmaker today releases his heartwarming 2024 Christmas ad, directed by Rita Ora’s husband Taika Waititi and featuring a surprisingly cute animated octopus.
A Disney Christmas short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a boy who discovers that the curious creature has stuck to his head during a seaside vacation.
After returning home, the boy forms a true friendship with the octopus by introducing him to his new companion in his life on land, before taking the adorable octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays.
The boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer and sets in motion a plan to make it a reality, with the help of Santa.
Disney releases its heartwarming 2024 Christmas ad today, directed by Rita Ora’s husband Taika Waititi and featuring a surprisingly cute animated octopus.
For the boy and the octopus, the precious everyday moments of childhood and friendship, as well as the magic of the season, make their time together full of touching scenes.
There are also plenty of Easter eggs hidden throughout the original holiday ad, including beloved movies like Moana (2016), Lilo and Stitch (2002), and Toy Story (1995), among others.
The new campaign premieres today on YouTube and supports its long-time charity partner, Make-A-Wish® International, across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
A stunning rendition of ‘Part of Your World’ from the Disney classic The Little Mermaid (1989) can be heard throughout the advert, highlighting the octopus’ desire to explore the world above.
The beautiful version of the fan-favorite song was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed at the Abbey Road recording studio.
Commenting on the announcement, Taika Waititi said: The story manages to connect the feelings that you have during the holidays, and the joy and the goodwill and everything, with those same emotions and those same sensibilities that you get from Disney movies.
“I think they go hand in hand and it’s the perfect combination, and only Disney could have done something like this… with me.”
“For generations, Disney has been an ever-present part of the holiday season around the world, and this short builds on the lasting connection so many families have with Disney during this special time of year,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer. . Official, The Walt Disney Company.
A Disney Christmas short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a boy who discovers that the curious creature has stuck to his head during a seaside vacation.
After returning home, the boy forms a true friendship with the octopus by introducing him to his new companion in his life on land, before taking the adorable octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.”
A Disney Christmas Short: The Boy and The Octopus is the latest creative collaboration between Taika and The Walt Disney Company.
The acclaimed filmmaker is the director of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Searchlight Pictures’ Jojo Rabbit (2019), and Next Goal Wins (2023), as well as executive producer of Hulu’s Reservation. Dogs, What We Do in the Shadows and the upcoming limited series, Interior Chinatown.
Disney’s holiday campaign once again supports its long-term charity partner, Make-A-Wish International.
For 44 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to bring joy to children and their families when they need it most, making more than 155,000 wishes come true around the world.
The boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer and sets in motion a plan to make it a reality, with the help of Santa.
Disneyland Paris welcomes Make-A-Wish children through its doors all year round, and later this month, 50 families from across Europe and the Middle East will travel to the park to have their wish granted. Disney.
Families will spend the weekend enjoying quality time together, meeting their favorite characters and experiencing all the magic that Disneyland Paris has to offer.
“We are honored to once again have the support of Disney’s holiday campaign this year, helping us grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses around the world,” said Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make -A-Wish International.
“The holiday season is a time of togetherness and quality time with loved ones, and we hope the Wishes Weekend at Disneyland Paris brings joy and strength to these families when they need it most.”