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Disney Releases “The Boy and The Octopus,” a Taika Waititi Short

Written by Joshua Posted November 12th, 2024

Disney has released The Boy and The Octopus, a holiday short directed by Taika Waititi. The film, now available on YouTube, centers around — you guessed it — a boy and and an octopus. The two meet as the boy snorkels in the ocean while on vacation. The octopus, apparently not happy with his current home, attaches itself to the boy’s head.

At home, the boy introduces his new friend to his Disney IP-filled world, complete with a Buzz Lightyear action figure, a light saber, and a Mickey Mouse beanie (the octopus hides beneath that hat when the two venture into public). Eventually, the mollusk discovers Christmas and Santa, and the duo hatch a plan.

Waititi’s film is cute, funny, and heartwarming. The octopus reminds me of a friendlier Hank (from Finding Dory). A new arrangement of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid is the perfect soundtrack.