Disney mines rich history in stunning Christmas ad

Surely a contender for the best ad of the season, The Walt Disney Company’s effort draws on its iconic back catalogue to create the elusive ‘magic’ so many lesser brands shoot for.

While companies around the world shell out billions on creative that brings a bit of Christmas magic, for The Walt Disney Company it is its full-time job, regardless of the season. It’s no surprise then that its latest Christmas advert stands head and mouse ears above the competition.

The Walt Disney Company’s 2024 Christmas ad tells a heartwarming tale of an animated octopus and his young human friend. Directed by ‘Thor: Ragnarok’’s Taika Waititi, and devised by adam&eveDDB, the spot sees an impossibly adorable octopus (brought to life by the team at Untold Studios.) make a new pal.

The journey the pair go on weaves in various Disney odes, beginning with the octopus hiding under the boy's Mickey Mouse hat as they explore Christmas markets and practise martial arts together.

There’s also some playful lightsabre action, referencing the company’s Star Wars franchise, as well as clips from various Disney classics playing on various mediums throughout.

The ad takes a whimsical turn as the boy helps the octopus realise its dream of seeing the world through Santa’s sleigh. The journey culminates with the octopus being whisked away by Santa, with the boy watching from his window as the two head off into the night sky.

The soundtrack, a rendition of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid, was recorded by a 60-piece orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. The advert also has a charitable intent, supporting the Make-A-Wish charity, continuing the brand's long-standing commitment to making a difference in children's lives during the holiday season​.

Our take

The art of creating a genuinely heartwarming advert relies on successful storytelling. The power of this overused term, however, lies in the execution, and this ad is something of a masterclass.

The four-minute runtime is a genuine journey, introducing the main character in a sympathetic manner, then giving glimpses of his home life through the eyes of his new tentacled chum, who shares his imaginative world: fittingly, through the cutout eyes of a Mickey Mouse hat.

The orchestration underscoring the action, alongside the clever and unexpected references to Disney cultural artefacts we all share in common, helps build a connection with the protagonist. And, as with all the best Disney animations, the humour is subtle and works regardless of age: like when the octopus is shielded from seeing a sushi chef cutting a fellow cephalopod.

The advert exploits various storytelling tropes, including a ‘fake out’ ending to great effect, and reminds us of the brand’s importance to our own childhoods, and those to come.

Lead image credit: Disney ad