Disney movie veteran Jon Favreau is teaming up with Disney to bring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a Deadline report, Favreau will blend his expertise in live-action and animation to create a TV show featuring Oswald. He will take on the roles of writer and producer for this project. While plot details and casting information remain under wraps, the anticipation for this series is building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney’s history, though his tenure with the company was brief. Created by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928. However, due to a rights dispute, Universal gained control of the character. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, Oswald's departure was a challenging time for Disney but ultimately led to the creation of Mickey Mouse.
Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and, in 2022, released its first new original short starring the character in 95 years. Now, with Favreau's series, Disney aims to expand Oswald's presence beyond a mere symbol of its history. Although a release date for the Favreau project has not been announced, fans can look forward to this unique live-action and animation hybrid in the future.
While Favreau is focused on reviving one of Disney's oldest animated characters, he has also been deeply involved in some of its newest franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts recognize him for his significant contributions to the saga through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a lasting impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both behind and in front of the camera, over the past 15 years. He also directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his next directorial venture, The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is set to premiere in theaters in 2026.
As Oswald the Lucky Rabbit prepares for his official return to the Disney fold, it's worth noting that the character recently appeared in a different light. In 2023, just a year after entering the public domain, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole was announced as a horror movie featuring the classic character, with Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson in the lead role.
