Disney joins the Christmas ads battle! Brand unveils its heartwarming film directed by Rita Ora’s husband Taika Waititi
We’ve had festive campaigns from Lidl, Boots and M&S, to name just a few – and now it’s the turn of fan-favourite Disney.
The global filmmaker today launches its heartwarming Christmas advert for 2024, directed by Rita Ora’s husband Taika Waititi and featuring a surprisingly cute, animated octopus.
A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a child who discovers the curious creature has attached itself 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, before taking the lovable 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 he sets in motion a plan to make it happen – with the help of Santa.
Disney today launches its heartwarming Christmas advert for 2024, 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 filled with heartwarming scenes.
There’s also plenty of hidden Easter eggs throughout the original festive advert, including from beloved films like Moana (2016), Lilo and Stitch (2002), and Toy Story (1995), among others.
The new campaign premiers today on YouTube and supports long-term 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 ad, highlighting the octopus’ desire to explore the world above.
The beautiful take on the fan-favourite song was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed in the recording studio Abbey Road.
Commenting on the ad, Taika Waititi said: The story manages to connect the feelings that you get around the holidays, and the joy, the goodwill and everything, with those same emotions and those same sensibilities you get from Disney films.
‘I think they go hand in hand and it’s the perfect match – and only Disney could have made something like this… with me.’
‘For generations, Disney has been an ever-present part of the holiday season all over the world, and this short builds on the enduring connection that so many families have with Disney during this special time of year,’ said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus follows the journey of a child who discovers the curious creature has attached itself 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, before taking the lovable octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays
‘We’re thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.’
A Disney Holiday 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 forthcoming limited series, Interior Chinatown.
Disney’s holiday campaign is once again supporting its long-term charity partner, Make-A-Wish International.
For 44 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to provide joy when it’s needed most to children and their families, making more than 155,000 wishes come true globally.
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 – with the help of Santa
Disneyland Paris welcomes Make-A-Wish children through its gates all year round, and later this month, 50 families from across Europe and the Middle East will travel to the park to have their Disney wish granted.
The families will spend the weekend enjoying quality time together, meeting their favourite characters, and experiencing all the magic that Disneyland Paris has to offer.
‘We are honoured to be supported once again by Disney’s holiday campaign this year, helping us to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses all over the world,’ said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO Make-A-Wish International.
‘The festive season is a period for togetherness and quality time with loved ones, and we hope the special wish weekend at Disneyland Paris will bring joy and strength to these families, when they need it most.’
