Before Mickey Mouse became a global icon, there was another animated star who captured the hearts of audiences in the late 1920s—Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Often overshadowed by his successor, Oswald holds an essential place in animation history, serving as Walt Disney’s first significant creation and paving the way for the Disney empire.
Keep reading to take a quiz on the history of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!
Who is Oswald?
Oswald debuted in 1927, during the silent film era, as one of the first animated characters designed to be both expressive and relatable. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Oswald’s cartoons were distributed by Universal Pictures and quickly gained popularity for their humor, innovative animation techniques, and Oswald’s mischievous yet charming personality. His long floppy ears and clever antics made him a standout character in a burgeoning animation industry.
However, Oswald’s story is not just one of early success—it is also one of dramatic twists and challenges. In 1928, Disney lost the rights to Oswald when his distributor, Charles Mintz, retained control of the character.
This setback forced Walt Disney to develop a new character, leading to the birth of Mickey Mouse. While Mickey rose to fame, Oswald continued under Universal’s ownership, starring in numerous cartoons created by other animators, though his popularity eventually waned.
Related: Do You Know the Mouse Who Started It All?
Decades later the Walt Disney Company reacquired the rights to Oswald in a historic trade with NBCUniversal, marking a triumphant return to his original home. Since then, Oswald has been reintroduced to Disney fans through merchandise and appearances at Disney parks. His rediscovery has sparked a renewed appreciation for his role as a trailblazer in animation.
The Quiz
It’s time to take the quiz on Oswald!