With more than a nod to Toy Story nostalgia, Disney has created its ‘Best Christmas Ever’ ad, teaming up with Kiwi Hollywood director Taika Waititi and award winning UK shop adam&eveDDB.
The film follows a young girl whose Christmas comes to life after a scribble drawing suddenly comes to life when Santa mistakes it for a wish.
The animated character becomes her buddy and follows her to the local pool, and Halloween, but realises something is missing when carol singers give him a strange look.
The girl then realises that the character doesn’t have a mouth to speak or eat with, and writes a letter to Santa for a Mr Potato Head toy (thanks Toy Story), so that she can rectify the situation.
Voicing the doodle is Disney stalwart John Goodman, who has voiced Disney characters before, including Sully from Monsters, Inc. and Baloo from The Jungle Book.
The creative team includes animator Eric Goldberg as an advisor—his résumé includes Genie from 1992’s “Aladdin”— alongside Untold Studios and production company Hungry Man.
The spot has echoes of the John Lewis spot, ‘Monty the Penguin’, which was also created by adam&eveDDB.
“What makes this story uniquely Disney is the fact that it’s set in the world of a kid,” said Waititi. “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’s Joanna Balikian, senior VP of brand management added: “Disney stories have always been a source of togetherness, wonder and joy, especially during the holidays. We sought to capture that timeless spirit of friendship, family and imagination that brings generations together and makes the holidays magical.”
