Jon Favreau, a Disney movie veteran, is teaming up with Disney again to bring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report by Deadline, Favreau will use his expertise in both live-action and animation to produce and write this exciting new show. 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. 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, leading to a challenging period for Disney. This ultimately resulted in the creation of Mickey Mouse, as detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and released its first new original short starring the character in 95 years in 2022. Now, with Favreau's involvement, Disney aims to further revive Oswald’s legacy beyond a mere symbol of its past achievements. Although a release date for the series has not been announced, fans can look forward to this unique live-action and animation hybrid in the future.
While Favreau is delving into one of Disney's oldest animated properties with Oswald, he's also deeply involved in some of its newest franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him for his pivotal role in shaping the future of the saga through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both behind and in front of the camera, over the last 15 years, and he directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his next directorial venture with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to premiere in theaters in 2026.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's return to the Disney fold comes shortly after his latest film appearance. In 2023, just a year after Oswald entered the public domain, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole was unveiled—a horror movie reimagining featuring Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson.
