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

Jon Favreau, a seasoned veteran in the world of Disney movies, is set to bring a beloved classic back to life with a new Disney+ series centered around Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to craft this exciting new show. He will take on the roles of writer and producer for the series, though specifics such as the plot and casting details remain under wraps for now.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a special place in Disney's extensive array of animated characters. Created by Walt Disney himself, Oswald first appeared in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928. However, due to a rights dispute, the character was briefly controlled by Universal. As detailed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, this loss led to a challenging period for Disney, which ultimately paved the way for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006, and in 2022, they released their first new original short starring the character in 95 years. Now, with Favreau's project, it seems Disney aims to breathe new life into Oswald, extending his legacy beyond a mere historical footnote. Although a release date for the series hasn't been announced, fans can look forward to this unique blend of live-action and animation in the future.

While Favreau is revisiting one of Disney’s oldest animated characters, he has also been deeply involved in some of its most recent and successful franchises. Star Wars enthusiasts will recognize him as a key figure behind projects such as The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka, helping to expand the galaxy far, far away. Additionally, Favreau has left a significant imprint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the last 15 years, both behind and in front of the camera, and directed the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Fans can anticipate his return to directing with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to premiere in theaters in 2026.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's resurgence under the Disney banner comes on the heels of his recent appearance in the 2023 horror film Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, which starred Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson. This film marked a unique spin on the character, released just a year after Oswald entered the public domain.