Oswald The Lucky Rabbit was Walt Disney's first major success in the realm of animation. It is known that Walt loved this character and the story of how he lost the rights to this character are quite tragic but well known among the Disney fan community in when Walt went to see if he could get more money for the Oswald shorts from Charles Mintz, Mintz informed not only did he take away the rights from Walt but he also hired on some of Walt's animators. It wouldn't be until many years later that Disney would get the rights back to Oswald when traded ESPN sportscaster Al Micheals for the rights to Oswald. Lo and behold, Disney once again holds the rights to Oswald.
The company has started using this character again since the got the rights back. For example, he is one of the most important characters in the wonderfully done, Epic Mickey and as I stated Oswald's name will appear on a gift shop when Disney's California Adventures finishes it's update.
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| Concept art for Oswald's Filling Station |
While this is all great and I think Epic Mickey served as a great way to reintroduce this long forgotten character to the public. I find myself asking what else is there that can be done with this character? I know some people such as my best friend say that Disney should try and make new Oswald shorts. Now I don't know if that is a good idea or not. But is an area that could be fun to explore but would they also use characters such as Donald and Goofy or would the Oswald shorts be separate from one another. In Epic Mickey, we did see Mickey and Oswald meet and it appeared as though that Oswald knew the other Disney characters. Still I think that it would be odd to see Donald Duck and Oswald The Lucky Rabbit in a short together but at the same time it might feel gratifying.
Also as pointed out, Oswald will have a minor appearance in the parks with the Filling Station. Disney has also said that they do wish to add him as a meet & greet character. Though there are signs of that happening this year or next year. Understandably Disney wishes not to mess up his appearance in the park and they stated that wanted it to be a big event. Now besides the Filling Station, Oswald was featured on a float for Tokyo Disney's first Easter parade. Now he wasn't a character but rather he was the float.
Now this is a nice touch but I think there is more that could be done. What, I do not know but call me crazy, I wouldn't mind seeing all of this lead to an Oswald based attraction. Though I don't think that'll ever happen but again one can dream. Now if there is one thing that Disney has been doing right in getting this character back into the public conscious, it is merchandise. They have been merchandising this character like crazy since they got the rights back to him. Oswald merchandise has become relatively easy to find. As I recall at my Disney Store, they had a shelf of Oswald tees and sitting next to the Minnie Mouse plushies, they also had an Oswald The Lucky Rabbit stuffed animal.
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| Not Mine |
Now again, it is probably to early to tell what Disney does have in store for this character but in many ways, I see a bright future ahead for Oswald and just maybe we'll get see him in a short again someday soon making us laugh. Maybe with Mickey and the gang by his side or on his own. Either way, I hope for only the best with this character and I trust that he is in good hands. What's your take? What would you like to see next for Oswald? Tell me in the comments.
Quick note, I'll be out of town this weekend. Therefore Classic Shorts Showcase will be up earlier this week. Also take to check out my new series, Survivor Recap
Here's a link to the first Recap
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