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Walmart

Lil' Roy

marie hyon

Overview

When Walmart asked us to imagine a character who could lead families through the magic of their holiday toys lineup, we aimed to build a personality, a world, and a reason to explore. The result was Lil’ Roy, a pint-sized pup with oversized enthusiasm and Walmart’s official companion for holiday play.

Rather than leaning on typical holiday tropes, we went searching for something rooted in Walmart’s heritage. Buried in the brand’s history was an unexpected gem: Sam Walton’s deep bond with his dog, Ol’ Roy. That relationship became a launchpad for an entirely new character—Ol’ Roy’s energetic grand-pup, reimagined for a generation growing up in a hybrid physical–digital world.

Lil’ Roy isn’t just cute. He’s curious, determined, and always mid-adventure. We shaped him to feel like the kid every kid relates to: wide-eyed, slightly mischievous, and endlessly optimistic. He’s the friend who knows where all the best toys are hidden—and who can’t wait to show you.

Client
Walmart
Type
animation
Length
(00:24)
Category
3dcharacters

To give Lil’ Roy a world to roam, we developed Toylandia, a playful environment where the toys themselves feel alive with their own stories. Toylandia isn’t a backdrop—it’s a full ecosystem that frames each product in a way that feels imaginative, immersive, and unmistakably tied to Lil’ Roy’s adventurous spirit.

Featured across Walmart's website, socials, holiday catalogues and beyond - Lil’ Roy’s debut sets the stage for more holiday hijinks to come. Recently having returned for the 2025 holiday season, Lil’ Roy is quickly becoming the quintessential fore-bringer of the Christmas season for the retail giant. As Walmart continues to evolve its holiday playbook, Lil’ Roy offers a charming, flexible foundation for future adventures.