Disney’s Very First Star Gets Live-Action Revival
Disney Brings Back Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: Everything You Need to Know
What Is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?
Imagine a cartoon character who was born before Mickey Mouse — that’s Oswald! He’s a lucky rabbit who starred in cartoons way back in 1927. Think of him as Mickey’s "older brother" who got lost for a long time.
Important Point: Oswald was the very first major character Walt Disney created. Without Oswald, we might never have gotten Mickey Mouse!
The Big Announcement at D23
At the D23 fan event (that’s Disney’s big fan convention) in Anaheim, Disney dropped exciting news:
- New Series: "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit" is coming to Disney+
- Format: A three-part miniseries mixing live-action with hand-drawn 2D animation
- Release Date: February 2027
- Creative Lead: Jon Favreau (the guy behind The Mandalorian and Iron Man) is writing, directing, and executive producing
Meet the Star-Studded Cast
Disney assembled an amazing team of actors:
| Actor | You Might Know Them From |
|---|---|
| Amy Sedaris | The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett |
| Kathryn Hahn | WandaVision, playing Mother Gothel in live-action Tangled |
| Steve Martin | Comedy legend, Only Murders in the Building |
| Al Madrigal | Comedian and actor |
| Ravi Cabot-Conyers | Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, voiced a character in Encanto |
| Mykal-Michelle Harris | Mixed-ish, voicing Blaze in Toy Story 5 |
| Ryder Allen | Rising young actor |
Important Point: Many cast members have worked with Jon Favreau or Disney before — this is a true "Disney family" reunion!
Oswald’s Amazing History: From Lost to Found
Here’s the wild journey of this lucky rabbit:
- 1927: Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks create Oswald for Universal Pictures
- 1928: Universal takes control of Oswald — Disney loses his character
- 1928 (same year!): Disney and Iwerks create Mickey Mouse as a replacement
- 2006: Disney reacquires the rights to Oswald in a trade with NBC/Universal
- 2010: Oswald appears in video game Epic Mickey — first time sharing screen with Mickey in 85 years!
- 2013: First cartoon appearance in 85 years in short Get a Horse!
- 2023: Early Oswald cartoons enter public domain
- 2027: Brand new series premieres on Disney+!
Important Point: Oswald has "cult status" — he’s a beloved secret among Disney historians, but most regular fans have never seen him in action. That’s about to change!
Why This Matters for Disney Fans
- Historical Significance: You’re watching the character that started it all for Disney
- Animation Innovation: Rare mix of live-action and traditional hand-drawn 2D animation
- Jon Favreau’s Touch: The creator of The Mandalorian bringing his magic to classic Disney
- Closure: After nearly 100 years, Oswald finally gets his own modern spotlight
Summary
Disney is reviving Oswald the Lucky Rabbit — Walt Disney’s first major character from 1927 — in a three-part miniseries coming to Disney+ in February 2027. The show blends live-action with hand-drawn 2D animation and is helmed by Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian). An all-star cast includes Amy Sedaris, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Martin, and more. Oswald was lost to Universal in 1928 (leading to Mickey Mouse’s creation), reclaimed by Disney in 2006, and has made rare appearances since. This series marks his first major modern starring role.
FAQ
Who is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?
Oswald is a cartoon rabbit created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1927. He starred in silent cartoons for Universal Pictures before Disney lost the rights. He’s historically important because losing him led directly to the creation of Mickey Mouse.
When and where can I watch the new series?
The three-part miniseries premieres February 2027 exclusively on Disney+.
What makes this series special?
It’s a rare mix of live-action actors and traditional hand-drawn 2D animation — the classic Disney style. Plus, it’s the first major project starring Oswald in nearly a century.
Who is Jon Favreau and why does he matter?
Jon Favreau is a famous director/producer who created The Mandalorian for Disney+ and directed the first Iron Man movie. He’s known for blending modern tech with classic storytelling — perfect for bringing Oswald to life.
Is Oswald in the public domain?
Yes and no. The early 1927-1928 Oswald cartoons entered public domain in 2023. But Disney owns the trademark and later versions of the character, which is why they can make this new series.