Jon Favreau, a seasoned veteran of Disney movies, is teaming up with the entertainment giant to bring a beloved classic animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will harness his expertise in both live-action and animation to create this exciting TV show, taking on roles as both writer and producer. Although details such as the plot and casting are still under wraps, the anticipation for this project is already building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's history. Conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute resulted in Universal taking control of the character. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, this loss was a pivotal moment that led to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006, and in 2022, they released their first new original short starring the character in 95 years. With Favreau's upcoming series, Disney aims to further cement Oswald's legacy beyond a mere symbol of its historical journey.
While an exact release date for the Favreau project remains undisclosed, fans can look forward to this unique blend of live-action and animation sometime in the future. Meanwhile, Favreau has been deeply involved in some of Disney's newer franchises. His contributions to the Star Wars universe, including The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka, have solidified his reputation as a key figure in pushing the saga forward. Additionally, Favreau has left his mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both behind and in front of the camera, and directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. He's set to return to the director's chair for The Mandalorian and Grogu, slated for a theatrical release in 2026.
In addition to the upcoming Disney+ series, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit has recently made a surprising appearance in the horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, released just one year after the character entered the public domain in 2023. This movie, featuring Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson, offers a fresh and eerie take on the classic character.
