Lilo & Stitch 2 just scored its dream director as series co-creator Chris Sanders returns

Disney clearly isn’t done mining its back catalogue for live-action gold, and the next on their to-do list is a sequel to that rather successful Lilo & Stitch remake. But here’s the twist that actually makes me raise an eyebrow: they’ve brought back Chris Sanders, the bloke who basically gave birth to Stitch in the first place. Not only did Sanders co-write and co-direct the original animated film, he was also the original voice of Stitch. So, not your typical Disney sequel hire, this.

Sanders at the Helm (Again)

Sanders will be directing from his own script, so it doesn’t sound like they’re keen on straying far from the original vibe. If you care for director trivia, the first live-action Lilo & Stitch was done by Dean Fleischer Camp (the Marcel the Shell With Shoes On director), working off a script from Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. This second go-round is properly in Sanders’ hands, so expect something a bit closer to the source, at least in terms of creative control.

Filming is meant to kick off later this year, with a release date already pencilled in: 26 May 2028. Yes, Disney likes to plan ahead, apparently even five years for blue alien sequels.

Not Another Retread (Apparently)

After the animated original, there were two straight-to-DVD sequels—one called Stitch! The Movie and another subtitled Stitch Has a Glitch—and an animated TV series as well. But this live-action sequel isn’t just a redo of those; Disney’s insisting it’s a proper new story. At least, that’s what they’re saying for now.

Also worth noting: this won’t be Chris Sanders’ first live-action rodeo. He directed The Call of the Wild, which starred Harrison Ford and a surprisingly convincing CGI dog. So, he’s already played with digital creatures running around in the live world, for better or worse.

Lilo & Stitch Is a Cash Machine

Say what you will about Disney’s determination to remake literally everything they’ve ever drawn, but Lilo & Stitch in live action was an absolute money machine. It pulled in $1.038 billion globally, making it one of the top earners of 2025. It’d be more surprising if Disney didn’t make a sequel, frankly.

Critical Reception (If You Care)

Surprisingly, the critics weren’t all sharpening their knives for this one. Our own Tyler Nichols gave it a thumbs up, calling it one of the better Disney live-action remakes. Here’s what he had to say:

"I still remember seeing the original film in theatres and have very fond memories of the 2D animation. They were able to update it for live action without stepping on the toes of its cartoon counterpart, resisting the urge to arbitrarily change a ton. Had Disney just kept making these style of live action remakes, I don’t think they’d be in the situation they currently are. Because Lilo & Stitch is a good time at the movies that is sure to please fans, old and new alike. On the cartoon to live action front, it’s hard to see Disney topping this."

Lilo & Stitch 2: What We Know So Far

• Chris Sanders (original co-creator, co-writer, and Stitch voice actor) is back to direct, using his own script
• Filming expected to start later in 2024
• Live-action sequel is set for release on 26 May 2028
• This is a brand new story, not a remake of prior animated sequels or series
• The first live-action film earned over $1 billion worldwide
• This will be Sanders’ second live-action feature after The Call of the Wild