Disney movie veteran Jon Favreau is collaborating with Disney on an exciting new Disney+ series that will bring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to create a unique television show. He will take on the roles of writer and producer for this much-anticipated project. While specifics such as the plot and casting remain under wraps, the anticipation for this series is already building.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a significant place in Disney's history, having been originally conceived by Walt Disney himself. However, due to a rights dispute, Oswald appeared in only 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before Universal took control. This challenging period led to the creation of Mickey Mouse, as detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and marked his return with a new original short in 2022, the first in 95 years. Now, Disney aims to revive Oswald's legacy beyond a mere historical footnote with Favreau's upcoming series, though a release date has yet to be announced.
While Favreau is delving into one of Disney’s earliest animated characters, he has also been deeply involved in some of its most recent franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts recognize him as a key figure driving the franchise forward with projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant imprint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the past 15 years, both behind and in front of the camera, and directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can look forward to his directorial return with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to hit theaters in 2026.As Oswald the Lucky Rabbit prepares for a grand return to the Disney fold, it's worth noting his recent foray into film. Just a year after entering the public domain, Oswald starred in the 2023 horror movie Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, featuring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson.