Disney launches tear-jerking new Christmas ad – and there’s a face in it you’re sure to recognise

READY or not it’s that time of year when your TV will be bombarded with festive adverts with retailers in the race to bag the title of best Christmas commercial.

And one of the first out of the gate is Disney - and its heart-warming tribute to family is sure to leave you feeling festive.

Released today “The Stepdad” is a three-minute animated tale about family togetherness and the power of storytelling.

A sequel to last year’s ‘Lola’, which celebrated festive traditions passed down generations, the short film features a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from ‘Lola’, and her two children Max and Ella, as new step-dad Mike moves into their family home. 

Viewers will see the family navigate an emotive journey as they enjoy combining existing festive traditions with new ones in the run up to Christmas.

This campaign once again supports long-standing partner, Make-A-Wish, helping the charity to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses that can be an important part of the healing process. 

Since 1980, Disney has helped Make-A-Wish grant more than 145,000 life-changing wishes around the world - bringing light, hope and joy to wish children and their families.

Double Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter performs an emotive rendition of original track ‘Love Runs Deeper’ – penned for the advert, which provides a musical narrative to the film through the eyes of Mike in lieu of any dialogue.

Written by LA-based songwriters PARKWILD, the track also features CHERISE, a member of Tomorrow’s Warriors, an organisation committed to increasing diversity and equality across the arts through jazz music. 

‘Love Runs Deeper’ will be available for download from the 3rd November 2021. For every download before 31st December 2021, 100% of the proceeds from the retail price will be donated to Make-A-Wish International to help grant life-changing wishes that help children build physical and emotional strength they need to fight critical illness.

Disney will give support worth more than $2m to Make-A-Wish International and their network of Affiliates around the world. The support, made up of financial donations, media value and gifts in-kind will help Make-A-Wish step that much closer to achieving their vision, to grant a wish for every eligible child. 

Fans will also be able to purchase a Skating Minnie Mouse soft toy and Journal inspired by the ad, exclusively from shopDisney.

Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: “We’re delighted to once again support long term charity partner Make-A-Wish through our Holiday campaign. Reading together can be a truly magical experience and our advert celebrates this age-old tradition and the wonder and imagination it inspires. We hope the story will resonate with anyone who has seen the magic ‘lift off the pages’ of a book through the eyes of a child.”

International artist Gregory Porter, who performs ‘Love Runs Deeper’ said: “The lyrics of the track are so powerful, and underline that behind everything there is love. 

“When I read the first line of ‘Love Runs Deeper’, “When you open the door, I will be standing there”, I was truly moved by its emotion and storytelling. I knew I needed to be involved with this campaign and support Make-A-Wish.”

Luciano Manzo, President and CEO at Make-A-Wish® International said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Disney and are delighted to be a part of this year’s festive campaign. Audiences can also get involved by giving a gift of hope and joy to children with critical illnesses on behalf of loved ones this holiday season. 

“They can brighten someone’s day and send a charity e-card that helps Make-A-Wish grant life-changing wishes.”

In other festive news, these are the most popular Christmas baby names.

And these are the best advent calendars to buy for babies.

Plus mum-of-22 Sue Radford has started her bumper Christmas toy shop.