Full Breakdown
Chris Sanders to Direct Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Sequel
6/13/2026, 9:18:12 PM
Core Announcement: Sanders Takes Directorial Helm
Disney confirmed that Chris Sanders, co-creator of the 2002 animated “Lilo & Stitch,” will write and direct the live-action sequel. The appointment, reported by *The Hollywood Reporter*, replaces Dean Fleischer Camp, who directed the 2025 remake.
Background & Context: Success of the 2025 Remake
The 2025 live-action “Lilo & Stitch” opened with a $183 million Memorial Day weekend and reached the $1 billion global box-office milestone, including $423.7 million domestically and roughly $900 million worldwide. Critical response was mixed, with a 72 % critics score and 91 % audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Key Figures & Groups
- Chris Sanders – co-creator, original voice of Stitch, screenwriter, now director.
- Jonathan Eirich – producer for Rideback, returning from the remake.
- Ryan Halprin – executive producer.
- Disney Studios – green-lighting and financing the sequel.
- WME & Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark – Sanders’ representation.
Data & Statistics
- $183 million opening weekend (Memorial Day, 2025).
- $1 billion+ worldwide gross (2025).
- $423.7 million domestic earnings (2025).
- $900 million worldwide reported by Bleeding Cool (2025).
Official Statements & Responses
Disney announced the sequel on 26 June 2025 as “Lilo & Stitch 2.” Production will begin later in 2026, with Jonathan Eirich as producer and Ryan Halprin as executive producer. *The Hollywood Reporter* described the project as an original story, not an adaptation of the direct-to-video sequels “Stitch! The Movie” or “Stitch Has a Glitch.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics noted mixed reviews despite strong box-office performance. Bleeding Cool highlighted fan uncertainty, noting that the creative direction could polarize audiences. Some observers caution that a new story may diverge from the tone of the original animated series.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Release-date information varies: Laughing Place and Screen Rant list a 26 May 2028 debut, while Knighted Gemedia says no date is set. Disney has not issued a definitive schedule.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind,” — *Lilo & Stitch* (2002)
- “will be a brand-new story.” — *The Hollywood Reporter* (Bleeding Cool)
- “ That's the sort of creative decision that's either going to make fans really mad or really happy.” — *Bleeding Cool* (entertainment news)
- “Lilo & Stitch 2 hits theaters on May 26, 2028.” — *Laughing Place*, entertainment site
- “Lilo & Stitch 2 will release in theaters on May 26, 2028.” — *Screen Rant*, entertainment website
- “Chris Sanders is set to direct Lilo & Stitch 2, bringing one of the franchise's original creative architects back to guide Disney's live-action sequel.” — *Netflix Junkie*, entertainment news
What's Next
Production is slated for late 2026, with filming through early 2027. If the May 2028 window holds, Disney will align marketing with the 26-June “626 Day” celebration. Further updates are anticipated from Disney’s press office and *The Hollywood Reporter* as the project progresses.
