Jon Favreau is stepping into Disney history once again, this time bringing one of the company’s earliest creations back to life. The Mandalorian creator is developing a hybrid animation and live-action Disney+ series centered on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a character that predates Mickey Mouse and played a crucial role in Walt Disney’s rise to success, according to Deadline.
Oswald first appeared in 1927’s Trolley Troubles, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks during their early days in animation. The character was originally a hit, starring in a series of silent shorts before Disney lost the rights to Universal Pictures. That setback led to the creation of Mickey Mouse, who quickly became the face of the company. Nearly 80 years later, Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006, paving the way for his return in various forms, including the Epic Mickey video game series and, more recently, the Once Upon a Studio short film celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary, where Mickey Mouse himself acknowledged Oswald’s historical significance.
Favreau is set to serve as both a writer and producer on the new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit project, which will be a blend of both live-action and animation, similar to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Space Jam. Given his history with both mediums (helming The Jungle Book and The Lion King CG reimaginings) his involvement signals that Disney is serious about reviving Oswald in a meaningful way, introducing him to a wider audience beyond animation historians and longtime Disney fans.
Favreau has also played a pivotal role in shaping several of Disney’s biggest franchises. Iron Man (2008) not only launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe but remains one of its most beloved entries. His work on The Mandalorian revitalised Star Wars on television, leading to multiple spin-offs, including The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew. His comedic background, showcased in films like Elf, also suggests that the humor essential to Oswald’s character will be in good hands.
Oswald has long been a character of historical significance rather than mainstream appeal, but with Favreau at the helm, this new series could finally reintroduce him as more than just a footnote in Disney’s legacy. While details remain scarce, the project’s blend of live-action and animation, along with its connection to one of Disney’s most versatile creators, suggests that Oswald’s long-awaited comeback is being treated with care.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
