Award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi has returned to direct a new holiday short for Disney, featuring the voice of Disney Legend John Goodman. The short film, titled “A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever,” is available now on Disney+ and online. The story centers on a young girl whose doodle comes to life on Christmas Day after Santa mistakes her drawing for a holiday wish. Goodman voices the character Doodle, continuing his long-standing relationship with Disney, having previously voiced characters such as Sulley in “Monsters, Inc.” and Pacha in “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
Renowned animator Eric Goldberg from Walt Disney Animation Studios advised on the animation of the short. The project was developed in collaboration with Untold Studios, producer hungryman, and creative agency adam&eveDDB. This follows last year’s Emmy-nominated holiday short directed by Waititi.
Taika Waititi said, “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.”
Disney is also launching its Holiday Magic Tour next month, which will visit more than 20 cities globally. The tour aims to spread cheer through donations, community events at schools and hospitals, VoluntEARS toy deliveries, exclusive movie screenings, and other activities.
Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at Disney stated: “For generations, Disney has been part of how families celebrate the holidays—through the impact we have in communities, the stories we share, and the lifelong memories we help create that bring people together. This year, Disney is continuing that legacy of making magic during the holidays all over the world.”
The company continues its long-standing partnership with Marine Toys for Tots—a collaboration started by Walt Disney over 75 years ago—to deliver toys to children in need during the holidays. People can participate in this year’s Ultimate Toy Drive by donating toys through December 24 or visiting participating locations including Disney Stores and resorts until December 14.
Special shopping sprees will take place across all 50 states as part of these efforts. In Detroit specifically, a toy distribution event will be held with Toys for Tots along with licensees and retailers.
Additionally, Stitch from “Lilo & Stitch” will feature prominently in this season’s campaign from Disney Consumer Products alongside other popular characters from franchises like Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Throughout the season fans can experience holiday offerings at theme parks worldwide or watch classic films such as “Home Alone” or new releases like “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” streaming November 14 on Disney+.
More information about ways to participate can be found at https://www.disney.com/HolidayMagic.
