Who Was The First Character Walt Disney Created? Tracing the Roots of Animation’s Greatest Visionary

The first character that Walt Disney created, in the truest sense of personal conception and artistic development, was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This answer, while straightforward, unlocks a fascinating narrative of early Hollywood, copyright struggles, and the evolution of a legendary animator. The creation of Oswald wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was a crucible that forged Disney’s business acumen and instilled in him the burning desire for creative control that would ultimately define his empire.

From Humble Beginnings to a Lucky Rabbit

Before Oswald: The Laugh-O-Grams

Before Oswald, Disney’s creative ventures were primarily commercial and educational. He founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City, producing short animated films for local businesses. These “Laugh-O-Grams” and the unfinished Alice’s Wonderland – a series combining live-action and animation – showcased Disney’s nascent talent but didn’t yet birth a truly original, personality-driven character he could claim as his own.

The Birth of Oswald: A Contractual Creation

In 1927, Universal Pictures approached Disney to create a series of animated shorts. The initial concept wasn’t inherently Disney’s; he was tasked with developing a character that would appeal to a broad audience. Working alongside his chief animator Ub Iwerks, Disney conceived of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Oswald was energetic, mischievous, and visually appealing, quickly becoming a hit with audiences.

The Crucial Role of Ub Iwerks

While Walt Disney conceived of Oswald, it’s crucial to acknowledge the immense contribution of Ub Iwerks. Iwerks’ animation style, characterized by its speed, fluidity, and expressiveness, breathed life into Oswald. He was instrumental in defining the character’s look and movements.

The Bitter End: Losing Control of Oswald

Despite Oswald’s success, Disney faced a harsh reality. He hadn’t secured the copyright for the character. When he attempted to negotiate a better deal with Universal Pictures, he discovered that they owned the rights to Oswald and had even poached many of his animators. This devastating blow forced Disney to start anew, vowing to never lose control of his creations again. The lessons learned from the Oswald debacle became the cornerstone of Disney’s future business practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walt Disney and His Creations

Here are some common questions related to Walt Disney and the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit:

1. What was the significance of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Walt Disney’s career?

Oswald was instrumental in shaping Disney’s business philosophy. Losing the rights to Oswald taught him the importance of owning and controlling his intellectual property, leading him to establish Walt Disney Productions and fiercely protect his creations.

2. How did Walt Disney come up with the idea for Oswald?

The concept for Oswald originated from a request by Universal Pictures to create a popular animated character. Disney, along with Ub Iwerks, developed the rabbit character to meet this demand.

3. Why did Walt Disney lose the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?

Disney lost the rights because he hadn’t secured the copyright to Oswald in his own name. Universal Pictures held the rights, allowing them to take control of the character.

4. What happened to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit after Walt Disney lost the rights?

Universal Pictures continued to produce Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons for several years, initially with animators who had defected from Disney’s studio. The character eventually faded from popularity.

5. Did Walt Disney ever regain the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?

Yes, in 2006, The Walt Disney Company regained the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in a surprising trade with NBC Universal, swapping sportscaster Al Michaels to ESPN (owned by Disney).

6. How did the loss of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit lead to the creation of Mickey Mouse?

After losing Oswald, Disney and Iwerks needed a new character quickly. They developed several ideas, including a mouse. Iwerks refined Disney’s initial sketches, and Mickey Mouse was born. Many historians and animators acknowledge that Mickey was, in many respects, an evolution of Oswald‘s design.

7. What was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon?

The first Mickey Mouse cartoon was Plane Crazy, followed by The Gallopin’ Gaucho. However, the first Mickey Mouse cartoon released with synchronized sound was Steamboat Willie, which became a sensation and cemented Mickey’s stardom.

8. Who voiced Mickey Mouse in the early cartoons?

Walt Disney himself voiced Mickey Mouse in the early cartoons. He provided the character’s voice until 1947.

9. What are some other early characters created by Walt Disney?

Besides Oswald and Mickey, Disney and his team created characters like Minnie Mouse, Goofy (originally Dippy Dawg), and Pluto in the early years of Walt Disney Productions.

10. What was the Alice Comedies series?

The Alice Comedies were a series of short films created by Walt Disney that combined live-action with animation. A live-action girl named Alice (played by various actresses over the series) interacted with animated characters in surreal and humorous situations.

11. How did Ub Iwerks contribute to Walt Disney’s success?

Ub Iwerks was Walt Disney’s closest collaborator and a brilliant animator. His speed and distinctive style were crucial in bringing Disney’s characters to life, especially in the early years. He co-created Oswald and was primarily responsible for animating the early Mickey Mouse cartoons.

12. What is Walt Disney’s legacy in the animation industry?

Walt Disney’s legacy is unparalleled. He revolutionized the animation industry through his innovation in storytelling, technology (like synchronized sound and Technicolor), and character development. He established animation as a legitimate art form and created a global entertainment empire that continues to shape popular culture. He instilled a focus on quality, family entertainment, and groundbreaking innovation that continues to resonate within The Walt Disney Company and the broader animation landscape. Disney’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level remain the gold standard for animated storytelling.