Disney has released a heartwarming holiday short, A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus, directed by Academy Award-winner Taika Waititi. This enchanting short film follows the story of a young boy who, while on a seaside vacation, unexpectedly finds a curious octopus attached to his head! As they return home together, the boy and the octopus form a true friendship that grows as he introduces his new friend to life on land.
In playful scenes, the boy and the octopus explore everyday moments and holiday traditions, using a Jedi lightsaber to imagine adventures, playing with a Buzz Lightyear action figure, and mapping Santa Claus’s journey around the globe. When the holiday season arrives, the boy takes his hidden friend out to experience the magic of the season, all while safely tucked under a Mickey Mouse beanie.
The short features Disney’s iconic song Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid, which beautifully captures the octopus’s desire to experience the world beyond the sea, mirroring Ariel’s longing to explore. The familiar melody, performed by a live orchestra, adds depth and emotion to the story’s themes of adventure, friendship, and curiosity.
Tim Pennoyer, Disney’s Director of Brand Marketing, highlighted the inspiration behind the octopus character, saying they drew from animals like kittens to give the octopus a warm, relatable charm. Developed with the help of top visual effects experts, the octopus’s design was Disney’s most complex VFX character yet, made to move, shapeshift, and display emotions that connect with audiences.
This holiday short continues Disney’s legacy of storytelling magic and inspires viewers to believe in the impossible. Perfect for families and viewers of all ages, A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus brings warmth, joy, and wonder to the holiday season, making it an unforgettable addition to Disney’s collection of timeless stories.
