Disney veteran Jon Favreau is collaborating with the entertainment giant on a Disney+ series featuring classic animated character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Reviving a Classic Character
The actor-director's upcoming project was revealed in a Deadline report, indicating Favreau will combine live-action and animation techniques to bring Oswald to Disney's streaming platform. Serving as both writer and producer, Favreau will helm the new series about the iconic rabbit. Specific details regarding plot and cast remain undisclosed at this time.
While Oswald holds a significant place in Disney's animation legacy, his original tenure with the company was surprisingly brief. Created by Walt Disney himself, the character starred in only 26 silent cartoons from 1927-1928 before rights issues transferred ownership to Universal. As explored in our extensive coverage of Disney's century-long history, Oswald's departure prompted the creation of Mickey Mouse as his replacement.
Disney reclaimed the rights to Oswald in 2006, celebrating with a new original short film in 2022 – the character's first official Disney appearance in 95 years. The upcoming series suggests Disney aims to expand Oswald's role beyond mere historical significance.
Favreau's Disney Legacy
While currently focused on Disney's earliest animated property, Favreau has become deeply involved with the company's modern franchises. Star Wars fans recognize him as the creative force behind The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. His Marvel contributions span both acting and directing roles over 15 years, including directing the 2019 live-action Lion King remake. He's slated to return to directing with 2026's The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film.
Interestingly, Oswald's return comes as others explore the character's public domain status. Just last year saw the announcement of Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror reinterpretation starring Ghostbusters' Ernie Hudson, released one year after the character entered public domain.
