Disney's Holiday Ad Stars a Boy, an Octopus and Big Dreams

Taika Waititi directed the heartwarming short

A young boy bonds with a curious octopus in Disney’s 4-minute holiday ad, directed by Taika Waititi.

Snorkeling while on vacation with his family, the boy emerges with a tiny octopus on his head. He wants to be part of the youngster’s world, on terra firma. Set to the Little Mermaid classic “Part of Your World,” the spot traces the odd friendship that develops.

The boy shows off his Buzz Lightyear action figure and Jedi lightsaber. He cuts eyeholes in his Mickey Mouse beanie so he can take his cephalopod pal outdoors to show him snow and Christmas lights. (The kid politely averts his gaze when they pass the local sushi restaurant.)

The octopus dreams big and wants to travel the world with Santa. Another campaign with big dreamers! A bittersweet plan emerges, and he disguises himself as a tree ornament so he can hitch a ride when Claus delivers presents.

adam&eveDDB created the ad and Untold Studios brought the octopus to life in post-production.