The holiday season is upon us and Disney teamed up with Academy Award® winning director Taika Waititi to create a heart-warming original, A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus. When thinking about the winter holiday season, an octopus isn’t typically one of the first animals that come to mind. Yet Disney and Waititi managed to create a really sweet and fun story that centers around a little boy who becomes unexpectedly attached to a small octopus that he finds at the beach.
The short film shows a boy who is initially aggravated by an octopus that has affixed itself on top of his head. With little choice, the boy learns to enjoy the company of the sea creature, hiding him under a Mickey Mouse beanie and taking him around to enjoy the holiday sights. Eventually, the boy learns what the octopus really wants to do – sea see the world – and hatches a brilliant plan to make that happen.
The adorable octopus, created by VFX studio Untold Studios, is perfectly designed to be cute and illicit an emotional connection. With big, round, curious eyes, it looks reminiscent of the popular Ty plush dolls. Waititi is known for his ability to evoke fun and emotions from the most unexpected circumstances, and did so again with this project.
Of course, the short film is full of Disney Easter eggs, including The Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World” playing in the background, and references to Toy Story, Marvel, Star Wars, Moana and more.
Watch the short film below and learn more about the holiday short in a great interview with Tim Pennoyer, Disney’s Director of Brand Marketing.
Happy holidays!
SYNOPSIS:
A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a child who discovers a curious octopus has attached to his head during a seaside vacation. After returning home, the boy forms a true friendship with the octopus by introducing his new companion to his life on land – harnessing the power of the Force with his Jedi lightsaber, playing with his Buzz Lightyear action figure, and imagining Santa Claus’ route around the world with the map on his wall – before taking the lovable octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays, hidden under his Mickey Mouse beanie. While watching the Disney holiday classic, The Santa Clause (1994), the boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer, and he sets in motion a plan to make it happen. For the boy and the octopus, it is the precious everyday moments of childhood and friendship, as much as the magic of the season, that make their time together so meaningful. Disney fans will love finding even more hidden easter eggs throughout the holiday short including from beloved films like Moana (2016), Lilo and Stitch (2002), and Toy Story (1995), among others.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
