Disney has released a behind-the-scenes look at the making of A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus. Director Taika Waititi provides exclusive commentary about his experience creating the short, offering insight into his goals for casting, filming locations, and the emotional connection he wanted audiences to form.I was struck by just how magical and beautiful the story was, said Waititi. Its a simple tale of a boy on holiday and he goes swimming and then meets an unexpected friend in the least expected place. I love the idea of these two characters from completely different worlds who are looking for connection.The film 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.The short was created in conjunction with global creative agencies adam&eveDDB and Untold Studios, and produced by Hungry Man. The melodic rendition of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid (1989), which can be heard throughout the short, was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed in the Abbey Road recording studio. The songs flexible melody allowed Toby Williams, the music supervisor from Leland, to play with the song in different ways throughout the film to adapt to the range of emotions.A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus is the latest creative collaboration between Waititi and The Walt Disney Company. The acclaimed filmmaker directed 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 produced Hulus Reservation Dogs, What We Do in the Shadows, and the forthcoming limited series, Interior Chinatown.Source: Disney Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.