Jon Favreau, a Disney veteran, is teaming up with the House of Mouse to bring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney+ in a new series. According to a Deadline report, Favreau will blend live-action and animation, serving as both writer and producer. While plot details and casting remain under wraps, this project promises a fresh take on the classic character.
Oswald, though a significant figure in Disney’s history, had a surprisingly brief initial run with the company. Created by Walt Disney, he starred in 26 silent cartoons between 1927 and 1928 before a rights dispute led to his departure and the subsequent creation of Mickey Mouse (as detailed in our in-depth look at Disney's 100-year history). Disney reacquired the rights in 2006 and released a new Oswald short in 2022. This series marks a more substantial return for the character. A release date is yet to be announced.
While Favreau tackles this classic Disney property, he remains busy with other major franchises. His significant contributions to Star Wars (including The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are well-known. He also directed the 2019 Lion King remake and will return to the director's chair for The Mandalorian and Grogu's theatrical release in 2026.
Interestingly, Oswald's recent appearance in Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror film starring Ernie Hudson, premiered in 2023, just a year after the character entered the public domain. This Disney+ series, however, represents an official return under the Disney banner.