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

Jon Favreau, a veteran of Disney movies, is collaborating with the entertainment giant on a new Disney+ series that will feature the classic animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will leverage his expertise in both live-action and animation to bring Oswald to life on the Disney streaming platform. He will take on the roles of writer and producer for the series. While further specifics such as plot details and casting have not yet been disclosed, the project promises to blend the two mediums in an exciting way.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a significant place in Disney's history as one of its earliest animated characters. Conceived by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal taking control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney's 100-year history, this loss spurred the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and celebrated with the release of its first new original short starring the character in 95 years in 2022. Now, the company is set to expand Oswald's presence beyond a mere symbol of its legacy, although a release date for Favreau's project remains undisclosed.

While Favreau is focusing on one of Disney's oldest properties with Oswald, he has also been deeply involved in some of its newer franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts recognize him for his contributions to the franchise's future through works like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant imprint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both as a director and an actor over the past 15 years, including directing the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can look forward to his directorial return in The Mandalorian and Grogu, slated for a 2026 theater release.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's return to the Disney fold comes shortly after his most recent cinematic outing. In 2023, just a year after entering the public domain, Oswald starred in Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror film featuring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson. This latest development underscores Disney's ongoing commitment to revitalizing its iconic characters across various genres and platforms.