Jon Favreau, a Disney movie veteran, is collaborating with Disney to bring a beloved classic character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to craft this TV show, serving as both writer and producer. While specifics such as the plot and casting remain under wraps, anticipation is high for this innovative blend of storytelling techniques.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a significant place in Disney's pantheon of animated characters. Conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald originally starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal acquiring control. This pivotal moment in Disney's history, as detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, marked a challenging period but also paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and celebrated this in 2022 with its first new original short starring the character in 95 years. Now, with Favreau's series, Disney aims to expand Oswald's legacy beyond a mere emblem of its historical journey. Although no release date has 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, he's also deeply involved in some of its most recent franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him for his significant contributions to expanding the saga through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has been a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the past 15 years, both behind and in front of the camera, and directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his directorial return with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to premiere in theaters in 2026.
As Oswald the Lucky Rabbit prepares for his official return under the Disney banner, it's worth noting that the character was featured in a horror film just last year. In 2023, following Oswald's entry into the public domain, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole was released, offering a spooky twist on the classic character and starring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson.
