A schoolboy has told of his “incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” working alongside acclaimed film director Taika Waititi in Disney’s new Christmas short, The Boy and the Octopus.
Solomon Horta (9), a pupil at Millington Primary in Portadown, was chosen from hundreds of children to star in the Oscar-winning director’s four-minute festive ad, unveiled this week.
The heartwarming short was filmed in Majorca and Prague earlier this year and tells the story of a young boy on holidays who encounters a curious octopus while out snorkelling. The persistent octopus attaches itself to the boy’s head and becomes his constant companion.
After returning home, the boy forms a friendship with the octopus by introducing him to his life on land, before taking him out into the world to experience the joy of the holidays.
The boy comes to understand the extent of the octopus’ desire to explore everything the world has to offer, and he sets in motion a plan to make it happen — with a little help from Santa.
Waititi, husband of singer Rita Ora, has directed several films for Disney, including Marvel Studio’s Thor: Ragnarok, Thor: Love and Thunder and Jojo Rabbit.
Solomon, who cites Thor as one of his favourite films, said working with Waititi was a dream come true and something he will never forget.
“I’m kind of a fan of Rita’s, but I’m a huge fan of Taika’s incredible body of work, especially Thor,” said Solomon, who also studies speech and drama at the Shelley Lowry School in Portadown.
“When I found out I’d got the part of the boy hero, I was so shocked and couldn’t quite believe it, but was absolutely overjoyed.
“The first time I met Taika in Majorca, I was really nervous and couldn’t speak, but he was lovely, introduced me to the crew, showed me the storyboard and really looked after me.”
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After doing a few scenes in a swimming pool and the sea, Solomon began to relax into his role.
He had a few challenges to face during the shoot, including freezing cold water and occasional rough sea, but Taika was constantly at hand to guide him and make him feel comfortable.
“Some shots took a bit longer than others, but I really wanted to do my very best for Taika and make him happy,” said Solomon.
“During filming, he would say, ‘Go Solomon, I believe in you!’ and I felt really supported the whole way through.
“Working with Taika was incredible, a once-in-lifetime opportunity and a dream come true.”
Solomon, who was accompanied to Majorca for the first part of the shoot with his parents Maria and Helio, said he hoped to keep in touch with the director and would jump at the chance to work with him again.
He said he was delighted with the film, which he had to keep a secret from his friends and his parents’ families in Indonesia until Disney released it.
“It’s a 10 out of 10, with a really great story and message for Christmas,” said Solomon.
“I love acting, so I know for sure this is what I’d like to do for a career and, of course, I’d love to work with him again.”
While Helio had to return home for work commitments and was unable to travel to Prague, Maria stayed with her son until the shoot was complete.
She said the family was given the five-star treatment and from time to time, she had to pinch herself to make sure the experience was real.
“To begin with, me and my husband kept saying to each other, ‘what is happening here?’”, said Maria, who has lived in Northern Ireland for 11 years.
“It was all so surreal to be on this film set, but Taika was just this lovely, humble, down-to-earth man who made sure Solomon was always looked after.”
A scene from The Boy and the Octopus
Maria, who presented Waititi with a Belfast T-shirt as an end-of-shoot gift, said she couldn’t wait to share the news with her family in Indonesia.
“Our little boy is a superstar, and we couldn’t be prouder of him,” she said.
His acting teacher and agent Shelley Lowry, who put Solomon forward for the role, described him as “very special”.
“We’re all thrilled for him, and I can see a bright future for Solomon,” she said.
The Christmas ad, set to the soundtrack of Part of Your World from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, amassed almost one million views across different platforms within four hours of its release.