Jon Favreau, a veteran in the Disney movie scene, 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 utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to create this exciting TV show, where he will serve as both writer and producer. While plot details and casting information remain under wraps, the anticipation for this project is already building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history. Originally conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal taking control. This pivotal moment in Disney's history, as detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, resulted in a challenging period for the company 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 further cement Oswald's legacy beyond a mere historical footnote.
Although a release date for the Oswald series has not been announced, fans can look forward to this unique blend of live-action and animation in the future. Meanwhile, Favreau continues to be a significant force in Disney's newer universes, notably with his contributions to the Star Wars franchise through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. He has also left an indelible mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the past 15 years, including directing the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his next directorial venture, The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to hit theaters in 2026.
In addition to Favreau's upcoming series, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit made a recent appearance in the 2023 horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, starring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson. This film came just one year after Oswald entered the public domain, showcasing the character's enduring appeal and versatility.
