Chris Sanders to Helm Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Sequel

Chris Sanders, known for co-creating and lending his voice to the character Stitch, is slated to direct the live-action follow-up to the acclaimed film. Last year, the live-action adaptation of "Lilo & Stitch" made history by achieving the highest Memorial Day weekend opening ever, grossing an impressive $183 million, and was the first movie of the year to surpass the billion-dollar mark globally. Initially, the film was earmarked for a Disney+ release, but a change of plans led to its successful theatrical debut in 2024. Disney confirmed the sequel's development last June, a date chosen to reference Stitch's experimental designation, Experiment 626. Sanders has also contributed to the sequel's script, with Jonathan Eirich returning to produce.

Sanders, an Academy Award-nominated director, writer, animator, and voice actor, is celebrated for his role in creating and voicing Stitch. His directorial credits include the original 2002 animated feature "Lilo & Stitch," "How to Train Your Dragon," and "The Croods." His initial solo directorial venture was "The Call of the Wild," starring Harrison Ford, and he recently directed the Oscar-nominated animated picture "The Wild Robot" for DreamWorks. His long-standing association with Disney commenced in 1987 in the visual development department, where he worked on classics such as "The Lion King" and "Mulan" before his work on "Lilo & Stitch."

The appointment of Chris Sanders to direct the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" sequel signifies a notable return to a beloved franchise for its original creator. This strategic decision by Disney highlights a commitment to maintaining creative authenticity while leveraging the theatrical success of its live-action remakes. Sanders' extensive background and deep understanding of the "Lilo & Stitch" universe are poised to deliver a sequel that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences, continuing the legacy of a cherished story with integrity and innovation.