Jon Favreau is reportedly developing a new hybrid live-action/animated series centered on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The Walt Disney Studios project, which Favreau is writing and producing, marks the latest effort to spotlight one of Disney’s most historically significant characters.
Oswald’s Legacy and Disney’s Long Journey to Bring Him Home
Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a precursor to Mickey Mouse, in 1927. The character starred in 27 animated shorts. However, in 1928, control of the character shifted to Universal Pictures, prompting the duo to create Mickey Mouse as a replacement.
Oswald’s return to The Walt Disney Company became a personal mission for CEO Bob Iger, who secured the rights to the character in 2006. Since then, Oswald has made limited appearances in merchandise, theme parks, and special projects, but this new Disney+ series marks his most prominent role in decades.
A New Chapter for Oswald
Favreau’s new Oswald project blends animation and live-action, a technique he has previously explored in his Disney adaptations. While details remain under wraps, the series aims to bring new life to a character whose storied history helped shape Disney’s animation legacy.
Favreau’s Expanding Disney Portfolio
Favreau has been a driving force behind some of Disney’s most successful live-action and streaming ventures. He directed and produced The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019), pioneering photorealistic animation in Disney’s reimaginings of classic animated films.
On the streaming side, Favreau created, wrote, and executive produced The Mandalorian, which ran for three seasons from the launch of Disney+ in 2019 until the third season in 2023. The show became one of the prominent series for Disney+. He also served as executive producer on its spinoffs, including The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Additionally, Favreau is set to direct and produce The Mandalorian & Grogu, a feature film adaptation of his hit Disney+ series, slated for theatrical release in May 2026.
With Favreau at the helm, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is set to take center stage once again, nearly a century after his creation.
Source: Deadline
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