Jon Favreau, a veteran of Disney films, is collaborating with the studio on a Disney+ series featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a classic animated icon. This news comes from a Deadline report, revealing Favreau will blend live-action and animation to bring Oswald to the streaming service. He'll serve as both writer and producer. Plot details and casting remain undisclosed.
Oswald, a significant figure in Disney's history, had a surprisingly brief initial run with the company. Created by Walt Disney, he starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal taking control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney's 100-year history, this loss spurred a pivotal moment, resulting in the creation of Mickey Mouse.
Disney reacquired the rights to Oswald in 2006 and released a new short film featuring the character in 2022—its first in 95 years. This new series suggests Disney aims to establish Oswald as more than just a historical footnote. While a release date isn't available, the live-action/animation hybrid project is expected sometime in the future.
Favreau's involvement with Disney extends beyond Oswald. He's a prominent figure in the Star Wars universe, contributing to The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. He's also been a key part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 15 years, both in front of and behind the camera, and directed the 2019 Lion King remake. He's also set to direct The Mandalorian and Grogu's theatrical release in 2026.
Interestingly, Oswald's recent cinematic appearance predates this announcement by less than a year. In 2023, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror film starring Ernie Hudson (of Ghostbusters fame), was released, capitalizing on the character's recent entry into the public domain.
