If I could, please let me share with you about my favorite Disney character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
This cute little fucker was introduced (to me and I believe the masses) in the video game, Epic Mickey for Wii. If you have not played this game, I HIGHLY suggest it - there’s a remastered version available on different consoles or go OG and play on the Wii.
Oswald was first introduced by the man himself, Walt Disney when he was working for Universal Studios back in 1927. His first major role was in Trolley Troubles (September of 1927). Now, I won’t go over every detail but I WILL link you to the wiki and a video on YouTube I found if you’re interested. It’s important to note this a highly abridged history to give the broad strokes of an interesting piece of Disney history.
Now, Walt didn’t have Disney Company yet and was working for Universal Studios at the time. In 1928, Walt told Universal he was leaving, taking Oswald (his own creation) and his team of animators. Universal said, no. You’re not. We own all of it. Walt was kinda fucked. So being told to pound sand, he leaves and creates what would become the most iconic cartoon character known, Mickey Mouse.
(Fun fact; his name was originally Mortimer Mouse by Walt’s wife said that was not fitting so Walt changed it to Mickey.)
(Another fun fact; over the years with Universal, Oswald was in over 194 movies!)
So! Years pass, Mickey is an instant hit and becomes a legend in the cartoon world. And our poor sweet Oswald fades from the spotlight as Universal and Disney fight over the spotlight, with Mickey coming in first place.
While Oswald was with Universal Studios, it’s worth mentioning (briefly) they changed his appearance and it’s… different. But like every character (including the iconic mouse), he was changed and “tweaked” to better fit technology and what people enjoyed seeing. (Personally? I like his 1928 and 2010 versions best!)
(h/t to Dave Lee Down Under’s own video for this image)
In 2006, Bob Iger decided he wanted to get Oswald back so Buena Vista studios could use him for a game they were working on (well go over this really soon!). And in a delightful turn, Universal said, we want Al Michaels (a real life sports commentator). Bob said, great! We want Oswald back. Universal said fine. And Al Michaels, a flesh and blood human, was traded for a cartoon character. He’s spoken favorably about it and finds the whole exchange a bit funny (which, honestly? It is!)
So fast forward to 2010 when Oswald finally makes it back the screen and into my heart (and the hearts of many!) in the video game, Epic Mickey. It centers around this relationship of Oswald being jealous and resentful of Mickey for “taking the spotlight” and leaving Oswald to fade into the background. It’s a really well done game and the mechanics are just *chef’s kiss* Again, I highly recommend it. I won’t spoil anything but he’s obvious to say he brings himself back into the spotlight and we owe that to Bob and the team at Buena Vista studios.
Naturally, Oswald’s popularity sky rocketed after this and he’s got special merch including pins, hats, clothing, etc. In a very appropriate twist, he got a large new merch drop for Disney’s 100 year celebration. He’s not quite as popular as his brother, but he’s more popular now than… ever?
He’s made appearances all over from Disney video games (Disney Infinity 2.0, Epic Mickey 1 and 2, and Dreamlight Valley) to new shorts like “Get a Horse!”
He even has his own service station at the Land in California that sells exclusively Oswald merchandise and it’s on my bucket list. (Literally no one is surprised by this.)
He’s even made some park appearances over the years but has not been stateside since 2017.
He WAS at Hong Kong Disney in January 2023 for Disney’s 100 Years Celebration. Now we just need him to visit the state parks. But really, the overseas parks get all the best stuff!
Please, Bob. I’m begging. Please, bring my baby to the world. Just once.
I don’t think it’s unfair to say that Oswald walked so Mickey could run and I think Oswald deserves SO much more credit for paving the way for his younger brother but I also understand this was embarrassing for Disney (the man and the company). The lost the rights to their first character. That’s… rough. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles, I’m afraid. Or the rabbit… runs? I don’t know. And now he’s home again and we should celebrate!
BUT ANYWAY! Now you know the highlights of his career so… do with that what you will!
Oh, and his copyright expired in January 2023 and now he’s considered public domain so. There’s that too. Anyway, thanks for following me down this rabbit hole. (I’ll see myself out, thanks.) That’s probably why he’s not in any parks. 😢)
There’s also a horror movie based on Oswald called “Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole” by Lilton Stewart III coming (I believe) in 2026. This is going to star Ernie Hudson as well!
Disney Horror is also another rabbit hole I could fall down, as it’s quite interesting itself. Maybe another day.
Oh my heart fills with glee when someone talks about Oswald and his history 💕
Come to Ca for real tho his station is where it’s at.
