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

Jon Favreau, a seasoned Disney movie veteran, is teaming up with the House of Mouse to bring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to life in a new Disney+ series. This exciting project, as reported by Deadline, will see Favreau blending his expertise in live-action and animation. He's set to take on the roles of both writer and producer for the series, although specific details about the plot and casting remain under wraps for now.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a significant place in Disney's rich tapestry of animated characters. Created by Walt Disney himself, Oswald starred in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928 before a rights dispute led to Universal gaining control of the character. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, Oswald's departure marked a challenging period for Disney, but it also paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006, and in 2022, the company released its first new original short starring the character in 95 years. Now, with Favreau at the helm, Disney aims to elevate Oswald beyond a mere symbol of its historical journey. Although a release date for the series has not been disclosed, fans can look forward to this unique blend of live-action and animation in the future.

While Favreau focuses on reviving one of Disney's earliest animated stars, he's also deeply involved in some of its most recent universes. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him for his significant contributions to projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka, propelling the galaxy far, far away into the future. Additionally, Favreau has left his mark 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. He is set to direct again with the upcoming theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026.

Meanwhile, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's recent cinematic appearance came in 2023 with Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror movie featuring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson, which marked the character's entry into the public domain.