Disney movie veteran Jon Favreau is teaming up with Disney to bring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to craft this unique TV show, where he will take on the roles of writer and producer. While specifics such as plot and casting remain under wraps, the anticipation is building for this innovative project.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, an iconic figure in Disney's history, was originally conceived by Walt Disney himself. However, due to a rights dispute, Oswald only starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before Universal took control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, Oswald's departure marked a challenging time for Disney but paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and celebrated this reunion with its first new original short featuring the character in 95 years in 2022. Now, with Favreau's upcoming series, Disney aims to further cement Oswald's legacy beyond a mere historical footnote. Although a release date has not been announced, fans can look forward to this blend of live-action and animation in the near future.
While working on Oswald, Favreau continues to be a major force in Disney's newer franchises. He's renowned for his contributions to the Star Wars universe, including acclaimed projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left his mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both as a director and actor, over the last 15 years, most notably with the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans eagerly await his next directorial venture, The Mandalorian and Grogu, slated for a 2026 theatrical release.
In a recent development, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit made a surprising appearance in the horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole in 2023, just a year after entering the public domain. This film, starring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson, offers a fresh and spooky take on the beloved character.
