Chris Sanders to Direct Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch 2' Sequel
Disney has tapped Chris Sanders, co-creator and voice of Stitch, to direct the live-action sequel to 2025's billion-dollar 'Lilo & Stitch' remake. Sanders, who also wrote the sequel's screenplay, was already deeply involved with the project before being elevated to director. The move reunites the franchise's original creative architect with the property for the first time since the 2002 animated film.
Chris Sanders, who co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed the original 2002 animated 'Lilo & Stitch' and has voiced the character of Stitch in both animated and live-action versions, will now direct Disney's live-action sequel. The announcement follows the massive commercial success of the 2025 live-action remake, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, which became Hollywood's first billion-dollar film of the year and set a record for the biggest Memorial Day weekend opening in box office history at $183 million. Sanders had already been attached to the sequel as its screenwriter, and production is expected to begin later this year. Jonathan Eirich, who produced the original live-action remake via Rideback, returns as producer, with Ryan Halprin exec producing. The sequel will feature a brand-new story. Sanders brings extensive directorial experience to the project, having co-directed 'How to Train Your Dragon' and 'The Croods,' and most recently helmed DreamWorks' Oscar-nominated 'The Wild Robot.' His live-action experience includes the 2020 Harrison Ford film 'The Call of the Wild.'
What's missing
Neither source specifies a target release date or theatrical window for the sequel, nor whether any cast members from the 2025 remake have been confirmed to return.
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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