Disney debuts Taika Waititi’s heartwarming holiday short ‘The Boy & The Octopus’ [Watch]

On Tuesday, The Walt Disney Company debuted “A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus” in collaboration with Oscar winner Taika Waititi.

The short follows the journey of a child who discovers that a curious octopus has attached to his head during a seaside vacation. After returning home, the boy forms a true friendship with the sea creature 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. Watch the four-minute movie below.

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“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,” said director Taika Waititi in a press release. “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. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.”

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