Apple TV+ short film "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" premieres Christmas Day

The animated short film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Charlie Mackesy. It features the voices of Tom Hollander as the Mole, Idris Elba as the Fox, Gabriel Byrne as the Horse, and Jude Coward Nicoll as the Boy.

"The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" follows the boy's search for home as he travels with his unlikely companions. It was created with hand-drawn animation based on Mackesy's illustrative style.

Matthew Freud, Charlie Mackesy, Cara Speller, J.J. Abrams, and Hannah Minghella join forces on this animated production. It is directed by Peter Baynton and Mackesy, with the adaption created in collaboration with Jon Croker.

Ex-Apple designer Jony Ive is an executive producer alongside Woody Harrelson. The original score is by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander.

"The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" is presented in partnership with the BBC. It will premiere in the UK first, then appear on Apple TV+ outside of the UK on December 25, Christmas Day.

Apple TV+ is a streaming service available for $6.99 per month, but there is a two-month free trial currently available. Customers can also subscribe via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle.