Award-winning director Taika Waititi has partnered with Disney for a new holiday short, “A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever,” which is now available on Disney+ and online. The short features the voice of John Goodman as Doodle, an animated character who befriends a young girl after coming to life on Christmas Day. The story highlights themes of imagination and friendship.
This marks the second consecutive year that Waititi has worked with Disney on a holiday short. Last year’s collaboration, “A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus,” received an Emmy nomination. Waititi’s other work with Disney includes directing Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” as well as Searchlight Pictures’ “Jojo Rabbit.”
The animation for the new short was advised by Eric Goldberg from Walt Disney Animation Studios, known for creating characters such as Genie from “Aladdin.” Untold Studios handled production, alongside producer hungryman and creative agency adam&eveDDB.
John Goodman, recognized as a Disney Legend, has previously voiced several characters in various Disney films including James P. “Sulley” Sullivan in “Monsters, Inc.” and Pacha in “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
Disney is also launching its Holiday Magic Tour next month, which will visit over 20 cities globally. The tour aims to bring festive experiences to local schools, children’s hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and more through events such as VoluntEARS toy deliveries and exclusive screenings.
“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,” said Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at Disney. “This year, Disney is continuing that legacy of making magic during the holidays all over the world.”
Disney continues its partnership with Marine Toys for Tots this season. For more than 75 years, they have delivered toys to children in need during the holidays—a tradition started by Walt Disney himself. This year’s efforts include special shopping sprees at stores across all 50 states and a community toy distribution event in Detroit.
Taika Waititi described his approach to storytelling for this project: “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.”
Additionally, merchandise featuring popular characters from franchises such as Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars will be available through Disney Consumer Products throughout the season.
Fans can participate in activities at theme parks worldwide or watch both classic films like “Home Alone” (1990) and new releases including “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” which premieres November 14 on Disney+.
For more information about holiday initiatives or ways to get involved visit https://www.disney.com/HolidayMagic.
