Jon Favreau, a Disney movie veteran, is collaborating with Disney on an exciting new project for Disney+: a series featuring the classic animated icon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. According to a report from Deadline, Favreau will utilize his expertise in both live-action and animation to bring this beloved character to life on the Disney streaming platform. He is set to serve as both writer and producer for the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series, although specific details such as the plot and casting have not yet been disclosed.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit holds a significant place in Disney's vast array of animated characters. Originally conceived by Walt Disney, Oswald featured in 26 silent cartoons from 1927 to 1928. However, due to a rights dispute, Universal gained control of the character. As discussed in our in-depth look at Disney’s 100-year history, Oswald's departure marked a challenging period for Disney but ultimately led to the creation of Mickey Mouse.

Disney regained the rights to Oswald in 2006 and celebrated this by releasing its first new original short featuring the character in 95 years in 2022. With Favreau's upcoming series, Disney aims to expand Oswald's role beyond a mere symbol of its history. While a release date for the project remains undisclosed, fans can look forward to a unique blend of live-action and animation in the future.

While working on this project centered around one of Disney's oldest animated characters, Favreau has also been deeply involved with some of its newer franchises. He's well-known among Star Wars enthusiasts for his contributions to the saga's future through projects like The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka. 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 seeing him direct once again with the upcoming theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's official return under the Disney banner comes not long after his most recent cinematic appearance. In 2023, just a year after Oswald entered the public domain, Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole was announced—a horror movie featuring the classic character and starring Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson.