Waititi, known for his unique storytelling style, shared his inspiration for the project:
“I was struck by just how magical and beautiful the story was. It’s a simple tale of a boy on holiday who goes swimming and meets an unexpected friend in the least expected place. I love the idea of these two characters from completely different worlds who are looking for connection.”
The creation of The Boy & The Octopus was a meticulous process involving stunning locations, innovative music, and groundbreaking visual effects. Here are some highlights from the production:
- A Melodic Touch: The short features a live 60-piece orchestra performing a rendition of “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, the music was adapted throughout the short to match the emotional journey of the characters.
- Stunning Locations: Filming took place on a picturesque beach in Mallorca, Spain, which perfectly captured the story’s warmth and magic. Additional scenes were shot in Prague, adding depth and character to the narrative.
- Blub Blub, the Octopus: The production team affectionately nicknamed the octopus “Blub Blub.” This emotionally expressive character was brought to life through intricate visual effects by Untold Studios, allowing its tentacles to move independently, shapeshift, and change colors seamlessly.
- VFX Challenges: Creating a realistic yet expressive octopus presented unique challenges. According to Adam Droy from Untold Studios, “Octopuses can shapeshift, they can change color on their skin. We built in all sorts of crazy things.” The result is a character that feels both lifelike and deeply engaging.
The Boy & The Octopus is a celebration of connection and unexpected friendships, wrapped in Disney’s signature storytelling magic. Have you watched it yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to stream it on Disney+ this holiday season, or watch via youtube right here!
