Disney Unveils Holiday Magic in NZ Director Taika Waititi’s ‘The Boy & The Octopus’ via adam&eveDDB

In the lead-up to Christmas, Campaign Brief is shining a spotlight on the season’s most anticipated campaigns from around the globe. As these campaigns roll out, we’ll be rounding up the highlights to keep you in the loop.

 

Disney has introduced a fresh and unexpected holiday companion—a lovable octopus—in its latest original short, The Boy & The Octopus, created by adam&eveDDB and directed by acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi through Hungry Man UK.

Launched this week, the heartwarming story follows a young boy who forms an unlikely bond with an octopus he meets on vacation, bringing him home to experience the magic of the holidays, from lightsabers to Santa Claus.

Disney’s Tim Pennoyer, director of brand marketing, shared that the project captures Disney’s legacy of timeless storytelling by exploring “friendship and warmth in surprising places.”

Produced with the help of adam&eveDDB and VFX experts at Untold Studios, the octopus character showcases intricate visual effects to deliver both realism and emotional depth. From playful expressions to shape-shifting movements, the octopus represents a technical triumph for Disney’s animation.

Waititi’s unique directorial touch shines through, bringing humor and heart to this unusual friendship, making it a fresh yet unmistakably Disney tale for the holiday season. Anchored by a beautiful orchestral rendition of The Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World,” The Boy & The Octopus connects with Disney’s classic themes of curiosity, magic, and connection—perfect for holiday gatherings.

View more of Taika Waititi’s commercial work on his Bestads Profile.