Disney is doubling down on its live-action Lilo & Stitch franchise, and it's bringing back the mastermind behind the original. Following the 2025 remake's staggering billion-dollar global haul, the studio has officially tapped animation legend Chris Sanders to direct, write, and voice Stitch in the upcoming sequel. For fans of the little blue alien, this is the best possible news.
Sanders co-created the beloved IP and has voiced Stitch since the 2002 animated classic. His return to the director's chair—after months of speculation that he'd take a larger creative role—signals a deep commitment to preserving the heart and humor that made the original so special. The sequel will continue the story of Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and Stitch, with Sanders expected to reprise his iconic vocal performance.
This isn't just a nostalgia play. Sanders has one of the most impressive résumés in animation. He broke out alongside Dean DeBlois with the original Lilo & Stitch, then moved to DreamWorks to co-direct the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, which itself received a live-action remake in 2025. He later helmed The Croods and made his live-action debut with The Call of the Wild before returning to DreamWorks for the critically adored The Wild Robot, which already has a sequel in development. His track record makes his full involvement in Lilo & Stitch 2 a very promising sign.
The 2025 live-action remake, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, largely followed the original's plot but introduced some divisive changes. Notably, it made Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) the main villain and had Nani (Sydney Agudong) decide to leave Lilo behind for higher education—a choice that sparked debate among hardcore fans. Despite the controversy, the film was one of the better-received Disney live-action remakes, proving there's still appetite for these reimaginings.
With Sanders now at the helm, the sequel has a chance to address those criticisms while expanding the world. His near-full creative control—writing, directing, and starring—should reassure even the most skeptical fans that the sequel will honor the original's spirit. As the project develops, more details are expected to emerge.
For now, Disney+ subscribers can revisit the original animated film or check out other Disney hits like Jon Bernthal's Punisher series, which continues to dominate streaming charts. And if you're in the mood for more animated adventures, our ranking of every 3D Legend of Zelda game might be just the ticket.
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