Disney has announced the release of its new holiday short film for 2025, featuring a central character named “Doodle,” voiced by the renowned actor John Goodman. The story revolves around a little girl who writes a Christmas list for Santa and includes a doodle that magically comes to life the following morning. As she unwraps her presents, the doodle, embodying her imagination, becomes a lively companion, showcasing the magic of childhood creativity.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that while the girl enjoys her adventures with Doodle, he yearns for a mouth to express his feelings. In a touching twist, she requests a Mr. Potato Head toy, allowing her to gift the removable mouth to her animated friend, enabling him to communicate freely.
Director’s Vision and Easter Eggs
The film is directed by Taika Waititi, who previously created the acclaimed short, The Boy & The Octopus, in 2024. Waititi commented on the film’s unique charm, stating, “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, doing it just with the power of friendship and imagination.”
Goodman shared his enthusiasm for being part of Disney’s storytelling legacy, emphasizing its timeless nature. “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 said. Goodman believes this short captures that spirit perfectly.
In addition to its heartwarming narrative, Waititi has infused the film with subtle references to classic Disney characters and films. He noted, “It’s always nice and fun to be able to put in Easter eggs from other things too.” He described how the film’s setting, particularly the girl’s bedroom, was filled with nods to Disney’s rich history, leading to adjustments to ensure the references remained tasteful.
Future of Disney Short Films
Waititi expressed his desire to continue creating Disney shorts, envisioning a series of festive tales. “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 finds the short film format appealing as it allows for creative storytelling without the lengthy production typical of feature films.
The film concludes with a heartfelt message that resonates with Disney’s mission to “Make someone’s holiday magic,” encapsulating the essence of joy and connection during the festive season. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Disney fans can expect a delightful blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling that celebrates the magic of friendship and imagination.
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