Winston is the protagonist of the 2014 Disney animated short, Feast, which premiered before Big Hero 6 in theaters.
Background[]
In regard to Winston's character, Director Patrick Osborne states, "He's a star terrier that's full of energy. Like any of us, Winston is looking for food and some kind of emotional connection." The stray Winston finds both the food and emotional connection he was looking for when he discovers a human named James on the other end of a French fry. The story follows their growing friendship over a 12-year span based on the meals that they eat, all seen from Winston's point of view. One day, a woman enters James' life. At first, this is a setback for Winston as nachos and spaghetti give way to Brussels sprouts and hummus. But, ultimately, Winston tries to rescue the faltering human relationship, despite the seemingly dismal food prospects. At that moment, "Winston rises above himself and becomes much more than a dog," as Osborne states. He steps out of his instincts and makes a sacrifice.
Role in the short[]
Born a stray, Winston's life is changed forever when he is discovered a human man named James. Adopted and named, Winston grows to love his new owner's bachelor lifestyle, especially as James begins to share his human food with the eager pup. Winston becomes a part of James' circle of friends and their rituals, including football viewing parties and guys' nights out at the local steakhouse. It is during one such night, however, that James meets a local waitress named Kirby... and Winston's happy life is changed. As James and Kirby continue their relationship, Winston's beloved junk food is gone, replaced with vegetables, all things no dog would ever eat. Reduced back to kibble, Winston falls into a depression that seems endless... until one night when James comes home and, having broken up with Kirby, seeks solace in food. At first happy that the status quo has been restored, Winston soon recognizes his friend's depression. Finally unable to ignore James' suffering any longer, Winston scrambles out through an open window and leads James on a chase through their neighborhood and right back to the steakhouse, ignoring countless temptations of tasty food along the way. James and Kirby reunite and eventually marry, with Winston resigning himself to eating regular kibble once again. His selflessness is rewarded, however, when James and Kirby's children start feeding Winston human food once again, and he happily bonds with his growing family.
Trivia[]
- During renovations of the Walt Disney Animation Studios building, beginning in 2014, Winston was one of the character silhouettes featured on the wall mural.
