Disney Debuts Heartwarming Holiday Short Directed by Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi Directs New Disney Holiday Short

Get ready for some holiday magic! Disney just premiered its heartwarming new original short, A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi. The short, which features the voice of Disney Legend John Goodman as Doodle, launches today on Disney+ and online, kicking off Disney’s “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” campaign.

Related – Disney’s Holiday Short – Best Christmas Ever Coming Soon

“Disney stories have always been a source of togetherness, wonder, and joy, especially during the holidays,” said Disney’s Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management. “With A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, we sought to capture that timeless spirit of friendship, family, and imagination that brings generations together and makes the holidays magical.”

At the heart of the short is a charming tale about a little girl and her doodle that magically comes to life on Christmas Day after Santa mistakes the drawing for a holiday wish. This uniquely Disney story follows their budding friendship during the festive season. The film concludes with the powerful call to action for the entire holiday campaign: “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic.” Adding to the Disney magic, renowned Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Eric Goldberg (creator of the Genie from Aladdin) advised on the animation, in collaboration with Untold Studios, hungryman, and creative agency adam&eveDDB.

“What makes this story uniquely Disney is the fact that it’s set in the world of a kid. It’s a kid and her new best friend, navigating the complex world together, and doing it just with the power of friendship and imagination,” said Taika Waititi.

The lovable character Doodle is voiced by Disney Legend John Goodman (Doodle), who has voiced numerous beloved animated characters for Disney, including James P. “Sulley” Sullivan from Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013), as well as Pacha in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), and “Big Daddy” La Bouff in The Princess and the Frog (2009), among many other Disney titles.

“I’ve always loved being part of Disney stories because there’s a timelessness to Disney’s storytelling – it’s fun, it’s heartfelt, and it reminds families of what really matters. This wonderful short captures that same spirit perfectly,” said John Goodman.

On November 12, to celebrate A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, Disney is inviting fans to help create a little magic of their own in Times Square. Fans will be able to submit their own doodles using a QR code and watch as their art comes to life on the billboard. This interactive experience will be a first-of-its-kind to light up the streets of New York.

From seasonal stories to the season of giving, Disney is inspiring fans and audiences to “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” this year. For generations, Disney has been a part of families’ lives during the holidays, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Fans everywhere can celebrate the holidays with Disney at theme parks around the world, at Disney Store, on the award-winning fleet of cruise ships, and by watching timeless classics on Disney+, like Home Alone (1990) and exciting new premieres including the upcoming A Very Jonas Christmas Movie featuring the iconic trio, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas, available to stream on November 14.  

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