A new holiday film is coming to Disney+ this fall. Directed and produced by David Lowery, the animated short An Almost Christmas Story is the story of an owl stuck in New York City at Christmas time who makes a new friend. Together as they journey to their parents they experience holiday magic. This short includes four songs, two of which are original to the film. The voice cast includes Jim Gaffigan, John C. Reilly, and Natasha Lyonne. Five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón produces it. It was inspired by a true story in New York City where a young Owl was found and rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Ahead of the film’s arrival on Disney’s streaming service this fall, a first-look image was shared. It shows Moon, the young owl stuck in New York, with his new friend Luna. See it here:
About An Almost Christmas Story
“An Almost Christmas Story” follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost young girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. “An Almost Christmas Story” is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl, Rocky – short for Rockefeller, found and rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020.
The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as “Moon,” newcomer Estella Madrigal as “Luna,” Jim Gaffigan as “Papa Owl,” Mamoudou Athie as “Pelly,” Alex Ross Perry as “Dave The Dog,” Gianna Joseph as “Peaky,” Phil Rosenthal as “Punt,” with Natasha Lyonne as “Pat,” and John C. Reilly as “The Folk Singer” who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.
Produced by Disney Branded Television and Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, and with animation services by 88 Pictures, the celebrated creative team includes Lowery (director, screenplay and producer), Cuarón (producer and story), Gabriela Rodríguez (producer), Jack Thorne (story and screenplay), Nicholas Ashe Bateman (creative designer) and Daniel Hart (composer).
An Almost Christmas Story is the third and final short film from Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection. The first film, Le Pupille, earned an Academy Award nomination in 2022. The Shepherd was released last year and was shortlisted. Both of these films were live-action.
Disney+ also launched today its Blockbuster Offer. From now through September 27, new and returning customers can subscribe to Disney+ Basic for only $1.99/month for three months. For more information or to sign up, visit DisneyPlus.com.
Are you excited about the arrival of An Almost Christmas Story on Disney+ this fall? Have you seen Le Pupille or The Shepherd? What do you think? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!