Randman's World

Walt Disney's first animated cartoon character has rejoined the Disney family. Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit, was Walt's first successful cartoon character. Walt and Ub Iwerks animated Oswald in several cartoon shorts, which were distributed by Charles Mintz, representing Universal. Walt learned a valuable lesson from Mintz when he went to Mintz and asked for more money per film. Mintz told him that they were cutting his pay 20%, and if he didn't like it, they would take Oswald from him. Seems that the contract Walt signed with Universal gave them rights to the character.

So, Walt walked away from his creation. Mintz thought he had Walt over the barrel, but he was the first of many to underestimate Walt Disney. Walt went back to his studio, and developed a new character. A character that looked a bit like Oswald, but with smaller ears. Mortimer Mouse (who would later be renamed Mickey after Walt's wife, Lilly, didn't like the name.) Universal continued making Oswald cartoons for a few years, but it never took off like Mickey.

So, jump to present day. Bob Iger, the new President of Disney, heard that Oswald has regained popularity in Japan. So, he has his staff do some research, and finds that Universal still owns the rights to the character. Bob waits until he has something that Universal wants. What is that? Al Michaels. He wants to be freed from his contract with ABC so he can continue doing football on NBC, now that ABC has ended Monday Night Football. Iger makes the trade, but throws in one extra thing . . .he wants the rights back to Walt's first character. Al Michaels is traded for a cartoon character (and other concessions by NBC).

So, Oswald The Lucky Rabbit has come home. I'm really liking Bob Iger. I doubt Eisner would have thought a moment about something like this. But, Iger seems to get it. Disney is not just a corporation, it's a legacy. Perhaps they can make some more money on Oswald, but, in reality, it's just good to have him back where he belongs.