Jon Favreau's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Series Coming to Disney+

Jon Favreau, a seasoned Disney movie veteran, is collaborating with the House of Mouse to bring a beloved classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to create this unique TV show. He is set to take on the roles of writer and producer for the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series, though further details such as the plot and casting are still under wraps.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's vast array of animated characters, despite his brief tenure with the company. Conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons between 1927 and 1928 before a rights dispute led Universal to take control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney's 100-year history, the loss of Oswald prompted a challenging period for Disney, yet it also paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

In 2006, Disney regained the rights to Oswald and marked a significant milestone in 2022 with its first new original short featuring the character in 95 years. Now, Disney is poised to expand Oswald's presence beyond a mere symbol of its history. While a release date for Favreau's project remains undisclosed, fans can anticipate a captivating blend of live-action and animation in the near future.

While Favreau is focusing on one of Disney's oldest characters, he has also been deeply involved with some of its most recent franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him as a key figure in shaping the future of the galaxy far, far away through projects such as The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant imprint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both behind and in front of the camera, over the past 15 years. He also directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can look forward to his directorial return with The Mandalorian and Grogu, slated for a 2026 theatrical release.

As Oswald the Lucky Rabbit prepares for his official comeback under the Disney banner, it's worth noting that the character recently appeared in a different light. In 2023, following Oswald's transition into the public domain, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole emerged as a horror movie featuring the classic character, with Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson in the lead role.