Disney has announced the release of its holiday short film for 2025, featuring a charming character named Doodle, voiced by renowned actor John Goodman. The film tells the story of a young girl who writes a Christmas list for Santa, along with a doodle she creates for him. In a delightful twist, her drawing magically comes to life on Christmas morning, leading to a year filled with fun and adventure between the girl and Doodle.
As Christmas approaches once again, Doodle expresses a desire for a mouth, enabling him to communicate. The girl then requests a Mr Potato Head toy, which she can modify to provide him with a voice. This touching narrative captures the essence of friendship and the importance of understanding one another, a theme prevalent in Disney’s storytelling tradition.
Director Taika Waititi Brings Magic to the Screen
The film is directed by Taika Waititi, who previously created the successful short “The Boy & The Octopus.” Waititi shared his insights on the film, highlighting its unique perspective. He stated, “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.”
Goodman echoed this sentiment, expressing his appreciation for Disney’s timeless storytelling. “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,” he remarked. The film is designed to resonate with audiences of all ages, encapsulating the spirit of the holiday season.
Easter Eggs and Future Projects
Waititi also discussed the inclusion of Easter eggs from iconic Disney characters and films throughout the short. He noted, “It’s always nice and fun to be able to put in Easter eggs from other things too. I mean, at one point we had way too many! That kid’s bedroom was like she owned a Disney store!” He mentioned specific elements, such as a nod to the film Up with an ice-cream cart in the background.
Looking ahead, Waititi expressed a desire to continue creating Disney shorts. “I would love for the Taika Waititi Disney Christmas Short universe to just keep going, so we could try and do new, different things every year,” he said. He emphasized his passion for crafting emotional stories that encapsulate classic Disney themes like friendship and selflessness, all within a short format.
The film concludes with a heartfelt message to “Make someone’s holiday magic,” staying true to Disney’s mission of spreading joy during the festive season. As anticipation builds for the release of this delightful short film, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and the warm spirit characteristic of Disney productions.
