Meet this season’s most unexpected Christmas icon: an octopus.

The Octopus is the star of the new Disney holiday short, shot in collaboration with acclaimed director Taika Waititi and global creative agency Adam&EveDDB.

Premiering on November 12th the spot leans into the trend of long-form storytelling and will premiere on YouTube.

The Boy & The Octopus follows the story of a boy who makes friends with an octopus after it attaches itself to his head during a seaside vacation. When he returns home he forms a new alliance with the Octopus by introducing him to life on land and a range of Disney toys.

The film features the boy playing with a wide variety of Disney characters and toys such as a Jedi lightsaber and a Buzz Lightyear action figure. After playing with his toys with the octopus the boy plans a route for Santa Claus’ around the world with the map on his wall He then takes the octopus out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays, hidden under his Mickey Mouse beanie.

While watching the Disney holiday classic, The Santa Clause (1994), the boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer, and he sets in motion a plan to make it happen.

The short film has much to love for Disney fans. There are hidden easter eggs throughout the holiday short from beloved films including Moana, Lilo and Stitch and Toy Story.

Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer at The Walt Disney Company, said: “For generations, Disney has been an ever-present part of the holiday season all over the world, and this short builds on the enduring connection that so many families have with Disney during this special time of year.” He continued: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.”

The short is set to the Disney Classic ‘Part of Your World’ from 1989’s hit Disney blockbuster The Little Mermaid. This new iteration of the fan-favourite song was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed in the Abbey Road recording studio in London.

The EMEA campaign supports Disney’s long-term charity partner Make-A-Wish, which supports children through critical illness. Disney has worked to make 155,000 wishes come true across the globe.

Disneyland Paris welcomes wish children through its gates all year round, and later this month, 50 families from across the UK, other parts of Europe and the Middle East will travel to the park to have their Disney wish granted.

The short film is just one of the many ways Disney is delivering the holiday magic to the key festive period. There will be special experiences at Disney Parks around the world, new products that bring beloved Disney stories to life and holiday classics streaming on Disney+.