Jon Favreau, a veteran in the Disney movie scene, is set to collaborate with Disney once again, this time bringing the classic animated icon Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report by Deadline, Favreau will utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to produce and write this exciting project. While plot details and casting information remain under wraps, the anticipation for this series is already building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history. Conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald 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, the loss of Oswald prompted a challenging time for Disney, ultimately leading 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 involvement, Disney aims to expand Oswald's presence beyond a mere historical figure.
Although a release date for Favreau's Oswald series has not been announced, fans can look forward to a unique blend of live-action and animation in the future. Favreau, who has recently been involved in newer Disney universes such as Star Wars with projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka, as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the 2019 remake of The Lion King, continues to be a pivotal figure in Disney's creative endeavors. His upcoming directorial venture, The Mandalorian and Grogu, is slated for a 2026 theatrical release.
Meanwhile, Oswald's journey continues to evolve. Just last year, in 2023, following Oswald's entry into the public domain, the character starred in a horror film titled Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, featuring actor Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters.