Disney veteran Jon Favreau is teaming up with Disney+ to bring classic animated icon Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to the small screen in a new series. Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation, serving as writer and producer. While plot details and casting remain under wraps, this project promises a fresh take on the beloved character.
Oswald, a creation of Walt Disney, holds a unique place in Disney history. Despite being an early mascot, his tenure with Disney was brief (26 silent cartoons from 1927-1928), due to a rights dispute that saw Universal take control. This led to a pivotal moment in Disney's history, ultimately paving the way for Mickey Mouse. Disney reacquired the rights to Oswald in 2006, and in 2022, released a new short featuring the character after a 95-year hiatus. This new series marks a significant step in Oswald's revival. A release date is yet to be announced.
This project marks a shift for Favreau, who's recently been immersed in the *Star Wars* universe ( *The Mandalorian*, *Skeleton Crew*, *Ahsoka*) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (both acting and directing roles spanning 15 years). He also directed the 2019 *Lion King* remake and is set to direct *The Mandalorian* and Grogu's theatrical release in 2026.Interestingly, Oswald's recent cinematic appearance was in 2023's Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror film starring Ernie Hudson, released just a year after Oswald entered the public domain.
