Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Series from Jon Favreau in the Works for Disney+

Disney animation veteran Jon Favreau is teaming up with Disney+ to bring classic cartoon icon Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to life in a new series. According to a Deadline report, Favreau will blend his expertise in live-action and animation to produce this TV show, serving as both writer and producer. Plot details and casting remain under wraps for now.

Oswald, a significant figure in Disney's history, had a surprisingly brief stint with the company. Created by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons between 1927 and 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal Pictures taking control. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney's 100-year history, this loss spurred a pivotal moment, ultimately leading to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney reacquired the rights to Oswald in 2006 and released a new short film featuring the character in 2022—its first in 95 years. This new series suggests Disney aims to establish Oswald as more than just a historical footnote. While a release date is yet to be announced, the live-action/animation hybrid is expected sometime in the future.

Favreau's involvement with Disney extends beyond Oswald. He's a key figure in the Star Wars universe, contributing to The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. His contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe span 15 years, both in front of and behind the camera, including directing the 2019 Lion King remake. He's also set to direct The Mandalorian and Grogu's theatrical release in 2026.

Interestingly, Oswald's recent cinematic appearance predates this announcement by less than a year. In 2023, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror film starring Ernie Hudson, was released, marking a unique take on the classic character, just a year after Oswald entered the public domain.