Jon Favreau, a seasoned Disney movie veteran, is teaming up with the House of Mouse to bring a beloved classic to life on Disney+. The project in question is a series centered around the iconic animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to create this unique TV show, where he will serve as both writer and producer. While plot details and casting information remain under wraps, the anticipation for this innovative blend of storytelling techniques is already building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history, despite his brief tenure with the company. 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 animation pioneer but ultimately paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006, and in 2022, celebrated this reclamation with its first new original short starring the character in 95 years. Now, with Favreau's project, Disney aims to further cement Oswald's legacy beyond a mere historical footnote. Although a release date for the series has not been announced, fans can look forward to this exciting live-action and animation hybrid in the future.
While Favreau is set to revive one of Disney's oldest animated characters, he has also been deeply involved in some of its most recent and successful franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him as a key figure in expanding the galaxy far, far away through his work on series 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 past 15 years, including directing the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his return to directing with the upcoming theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's return to the Disney fold comes on the heels of his recent foray into a different genre. Just last year, in 2023, and shortly after entering the public domain, Oswald starred in a horror movie titled Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, featuring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson. This unexpected twist showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of this classic character.
