Chris Sanders to Direct Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch 2' Sequel
Chris Sanders, who co-created the original 2002 animated 'Lilo & Stitch' and voices the character Stitch, will direct the live-action sequel to Disney's 2025 blockbuster remake. Sanders had already been attached to the project as its screenwriter, with Jonathan Eirich returning as producer and shooting expected to begin later this year. The announcement follows the live-action remake's billion-dollar box office run, making it Hollywood's first billion-dollar film of 2025.
Disney has tapped Chris Sanders to direct the live-action sequel to its 2025 'Lilo & Stitch' remake, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, including $423.7 million domestically, and set a record for the biggest Memorial Day weekend opening in box office history at $183 million. Sanders co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed the original 2002 animated film alongside Dean DeBlois, and has long voiced the character of Stitch in both animated and live-action versions. He was already involved in the sequel as its screenwriter before being elevated to director. Jonathan Eirich, who produced the live-action remake via Rideback, returns as producer, with Ryan Halprin exec producing. The sequel will feature a brand-new story and is expected to begin shooting later this year. Sanders is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose credits include 'How to Train Your Dragon,' 'The Croods,' and the Oscar-nominated 'The Wild Robot.' His live-action experience includes the 2020 Harrison Ford film 'The Call of the Wild,' which also featured extensive CGI animals.
What's missing
Neither source specifies a target release date or theatrical window for the sequel, nor whether it will receive a theatrical release or stream on Disney+.
What different sources said
- VarietyCenter
‘Lilo & Stitch 2’: Chris Sanders, Who Voices Stitch, Set to Direct Live-Action Sequel
- The Hollywood ReporterCenter
‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ to be Directed by Co-Creator Chris Sanders (Exclusive)
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