Mickey Mouse is a well-known character in the Disney World and he is also the most famous. He is the star of Disneyland and is in every childhood toy box. Although Walt Disney created him, he was not the first character he created.

The first ever character created by Walt Disney was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit  in 1927 with the help of Iwerks, but the rights of Oswald were owned to Universals. He debuted a short six-minute film called “Sleigh Bells” in 1928, but then was later lost.

The film was later rediscovered by the British Film Institutes (BFI). Oswald was the precursor of Mickey Mouse and was loved for his mischievous and fun personality. This film that was found is said to be the last copy out there.

The reason behind why Disney and Iwerks stopped making Oswald films was because of a contractual disagreement. The disagreement was between Charles Mintz and Walt Disney.

Mintz hired all of Disney’s animators to force Disney to work for him, but Disney did not want to work for him. Since Walt broke the contract he stopped making Oswald films, and went on to make Mickey Mouse films in 1928.

Oswald and Mickey have similar characteristics. The only difference you can really tell is their ears. Oswald has long rabbit ears and Mickey has huge round mouse ears. Not only do they resemble in physical features but also in personality wise. They both have the same personality that engages kids when watching shows.

The official airing date for the full 6-minute film of “Sleigh Bells” is on December 12, 2015, at BFI Southbank in London, UK. So, if you want to see “Sleigh Bells” you better head on to the UK on December 12, this year.