Jon Favreau's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Series Coming to Disney+

Disney movie veteran Jon Favreau is teaming up with Disney once again, this time 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 leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to create a unique TV show featuring Oswald. He will take on the roles of writer and producer for the project, though specifics such as the plot and casting details are yet to be disclosed.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history as one of its earliest animated characters. Created by Walt Disney, Oswald appeared in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928. However, due to a rights dispute, Universal gained control of the character, leading to a challenging time for Disney but ultimately paving the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, the loss of Oswald was a significant moment that shaped Disney's future. 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 upcoming project, Disney aims to showcase Oswald beyond a mere symbol of its historical journey. Although a release date hasn't been announced, fans can look forward to this innovative blend of live-action and animation in the future.

While Favreau is focusing on one of Disney's oldest characters, he has also been deeply involved in some of its most recent and popular franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him as a key figure in expanding the universe through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both as a director and actor, over the past 15 years, including directing the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his return to directing with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to hit theaters in 2026.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's return to the Disney fold comes on the heels of his recent appearance in the 2023 horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, which starred Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson. This film marked a unique spin on the character, released just a year after Oswald entered the public domain.