After being locked away in The Walt Disney Co. archive for 40 years, a 1928 drawing of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was showcased at an event for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.
Oswald, who was co-created by Disney as a predecessor to Mickey Mouse, was lost in a 1920’s contract dispute with Universal Studios. Years went by before Disney regained the character, but it wasn’t until 2010 when Oswald made his triumphant return and appeared in the original Epic Mickey.
Many of Disney’s early cartoons were destroyed over the years, which makes this re-emergence of a Disney favorite so special. The drawing, a rough sketch drawn on paper in graphite, was found in a box that had been preserved in the archives for 40 years. Warren Spector, the creator of Epic Mickey, is also excited about the unveiling of this long-lost Disney drawing. He says:
It’s amazing. Everybody at Disney is so proud that he’s back. I’m no different. It’s just so exciting to be a part of bringing that character back into the world and to see people respond so affectionately toward him. Now, to have Mickey and Oswald brothers united to save the world, it’s unbelievable. I feel really privileged.
