Jon Favreau, a Disney movie veteran, is set to bring the classic animated icon Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to craft this TV show, where he will take on the roles of writer and producer. While specific details such as the plot and casting remain under wraps, this project marks an exciting revival for Oswald.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history, having been created by Walt Disney himself. However, due to a rights dispute, Oswald was only featured in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before Universal took control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, the loss of Oswald led to a challenging time for Disney but ultimately paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and celebrated this with its first new original short starring the character in 95 years in 2022. Now, with Favreau's project, Disney aims to expand Oswald's legacy beyond a mere symbol of its historical journey. Although a release date for the series has not been disclosed, fans can look forward to a unique blend of live-action and animation in the future.
While Favreau is focusing on one of Disney’s oldest animated characters, he has also been instrumental in shaping some of its newest universes. His contributions to the Star Wars franchise, including projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka, have propelled the saga forward. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the past 15 years, both behind and in front of the camera, and directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate seeing him direct again when The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters in 2026.
In a different vein, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit made a notable appearance in the 2023 horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, starring Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters. This movie came just one year after Oswald entered the public domain, showcasing the character's versatility and enduring appeal.
