Jon Favreau is returning to the roots of the Disney empire, but he is doing so with a commitment to the tactile, hand-drawn artistry that defined the studio’s earliest years. During a recent interview with the Spanish outlet Moobys, Favreau confirmed that a new series centered on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is officially in development for Disney+, with a target release window of 2027.
The project represents a significant creative pivot for Favreau, who has spent much of the last decade pushing the boundaries of virtual production and CGI through The Mandalorian and The Lion King. For the Oswald series, however, the focus shifts back to the human hand. Favreau emphasized that the character will be brought to life through traditional 2D animation, explicitly noting that the work is being handled by “human artists.”
The production is a transatlantic collaboration, with the animation being spearheaded by The SPA Studios in Madrid, Spain. The choice of studio signals a high-pedigree approach to the visual style, as SPA is renowned for blending classic hand-drawn techniques with modern lighting and depth. The series is conceived as a live-action/animated hybrid, blending a human cast with the whimsical, rubber-hose aesthetic of the 1920s.
A Partnership with The SPA Studios
The selection of The SPA Studios (Sergio Pablos Animation) is perhaps the most telling detail regarding the show’s intended quality. Founded in 2004 by Sergio Pablos and Marisa Román—both alumni of Disney’s feature animation department—the Madrid-based studio gained global acclaim for Klaus. The Netflix feature was a watershed moment for 2D animation, utilizing innovative volumetric lighting to give hand-drawn characters a three-dimensional feel without sacrificing the warmth of the medium.
Favreau, who visited the studio during a trip to Spain while promoting Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, described the upcoming Oswald project as a “beautiful story.” By partnering with Pablos, Disney is tapping into a studio that has already proven it can modernize the 2D form for contemporary audiences. SPA’s history also includes early conceptual work on Illumination’s Despicable Me and development on Smallfoot, marking them as a powerhouse of character-driven design.
Bridging Generations: The Live-Action Cast
While Oswald remains the heart of the series, the narrative framework involves a group of middle school students who serve as the live-action anchors. Favreau is serving as both writer and producer, assembling a cast of young actors to navigate the hybrid world.
The lead roles will be played by:
- Ravi Cabot-Conyers: Known for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Encanto, Cabot-Conyers will play Jake, a hardworking middle school student described as having a “big heart.”
- Mykal-Michelle Harris: A veteran of Raven’s Home and Mixed-ish, Harris portrays Jen, an artistic student who is consistently “ahead of the game.”
- Ryder Allen: Following his role in The Penguin and Palmer, Allen will play Taylor, a cautious student who struggles to say no to his friends.
The inclusion of these characters suggests a “fish-out-of-water” or mentorship dynamic, where the timeless, chaotic energy of Oswald intersects with the grounded, awkward realities of modern adolescence.
The Long Road Home: Oswald’s Century-Long Saga
For animation historians and Disney enthusiasts, the revival of Oswald is more than just a new show; it is the culmination of one of the most famous legal battles in entertainment history. Created by Walt Disney in 1927, Oswald was the precursor to Mickey Mouse. However, due to a contractual loophole and a dispute with his distributor, Disney lost the rights to the character to Universal Pictures in the late 1920s—a blow that famously pushed Walt to create a new mascot to replace him.
The character remained in the Universal vault for decades, appearing only sporadically in merchandise and niche media. It wasn’t until 2006 that Disney successfully reacquired the rights to Oswald in a landmark trade involving the contract of sportscaster Al Plumeri. Since then, Oswald has been treated as a “lost son” of the studio, appearing in Disney Parks and a 2022 hand-drawn short, but he has never received a flagship series of his own.
| Year | Milestone | Status/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit | Walt Disney / Universal |
| Late 1920s | Rights lost due to contract dispute | Universal Pictures |
| 2006 | Rights reacquired via trade | The Walt Disney Company |
| 2022 | Release of hand-drawn short | Disney+ / Disney |
| 2027 | Scheduled series release | Disney+ / SPA Studios |
Why This Matters for Disney+
The Oswald series arrives at a time when Disney is under pressure to balance its massive CGI franchises with the prestige of its heritage. By leaning into “human artists” and 2D animation, the studio is making a statement about the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship. In an era of AI-generated imagery and hyper-realistic rendering, a series that celebrates the “imperfections” and charm of hand-drawn art is a strategic move to capture both nostalgic adults and a new generation of viewers.
the hybrid format allows Disney to ground the fantastical elements of the 1920s character in a relatable human story, potentially expanding the appeal of the character beyond the core fan base of animation historians.
The next confirmed milestone for the project will be the release of a first-look teaser or official casting announcements as production progresses toward the 2027 launch. Until then, the industry will be watching closely to see how Favreau and SPA Studios blend the legacy of the “Lucky Rabbit” with the technical capabilities of modern 2D animation.
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