One of Walt Disney’s earliest animated stars is returning for an entirely new adventure.
During Friday night’s Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Legend Jon Favreau introduced “Oswald,” a three-part series combining live action with traditional hand-drawn animation. The series will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on February 17, 2027.
Favreau serves as the show’s creator, writer, co-director and executive producer. He also shared an exclusive clip with fans inside the Honda Center.
What Is “Oswald” About?
The story begins when an earthquake releases Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who has remained hidden away since the 1920s. A middle school boy and his friends discover the animated rabbit and attempt to help him navigate the modern world.
The concept should provide plenty of comedy as a silent-era cartoon character encounters modern technology and culture. It may also explore Oswald’s unusual history as Disney’s forgotten first breakout star.
The series stars Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Ryder Allen, Al Madrigal, Kathryn Hahn and Albert Brooks.
Favreau directs alongside Jude Weng and Andrew R. Jones. The executive producers are Favreau, Jones, Karen Gilchrist and John Bartnicki.
Who Is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?
Walt Disney introduced Oswald in the 1927 animated short “Trolley Troubles.” Walt and his team created 26 Oswald cartoons before discovering that the character’s distributor—not Walt—owned the rights.
After losing Oswald, Walt and animator Ub Iwerks created a new character they could control completely: Mickey Mouse.
Disney CEO Bob Iger eventually negotiated an agreement with NBCUniversal that returned Oswald to Disney in 2006. Since then, the character has appeared in theme parks, merchandise, the “Epic Mickey” video games and a new animated short created for Disney’s 100th anniversary.
Oswald Returns Nearly 100 Years Later
The decision to combine live action with hand-drawn animation is a fitting choice for a character created during Disney’s silent-film era. It allows Oswald to maintain his classic cartoon appearance while interacting with actors and modern environments.
It is also fitting that his new story revolves around returning after being forgotten. Oswald spent decades away from Disney while Mickey Mouse became a worldwide icon. Now, nearly 100 years after his debut, the lucky rabbit is finally receiving another opportunity to take center stage.
“Oswald” premieres February 17, 2027, exclusively on Disney+.
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