Disney isn’t wasting any time expanding one of its most beloved franchises. After the roaring success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch earlier this year, the studio has tapped Chris Sanders, writer, co-director, and voice of Stitch in the 2002 animated classic, to write the sequel.
Sanders’ return is a big deal for fans. He’s not just the mind behind the original movie’s heartwarming story; he also brought Stitch to life with his voice, a role he reprised for the 2025 live-action adaptation.
Now, with the first film smashing expectations, he’s back to shape the next chapter.
The decision comes on the heels of the film’s big box office performance. Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch recently crossed the $1 billion mark globally, solidifying its place as one of the studio’s most successful reimaginings.
That kind of milestone makes it clear why Disney is doubling down. For comparison, the 2002 animated original earned $274.7 million worldwide, which was considered a major hit at the time.
But Lilo & Stitch isn’t just a movie, it’s also a merchandising powerhouse. According to sources, last year the brand raked in an estimated $2.5 billion in consumer products, making it one of Disney’s 11 “evergreen” franchises to surpass $1 billion in retail sales in 2024 alone.
That kind of reach speaks volumes about Stitch’s enduring popularity, from plush toys to apparel and everything in between.
Streaming numbers tell a similar story. The entire Lilo & Stitch collection has been a massive draw for Disney+, generating a jaw-dropping 546 million hours streamed globally, with the original 2002 movie alone contributing over 280 million hours viewed.
It’s clear that the appetite for Stitch and his ohana is stronger than ever.
While plot details for the sequel are still under wraps, having Sanders back at the helm as writer tells us Disney is looking to try and stay true to the heart and humor that made the original a classic. And with Stitch’s voice in his back pocket, fans can rest easy knowing the mischievous alien will still sound just right.
The first live-action movie’s performance, combined with the franchise’s cultural footprint, means expectations for the sequel will be sky-high. Sanders’ involvement is a promising sign that Disney plans to deliver something fans will love. A continuation that honors the story of family, friendship, and finding where you belong.
What do you think about Chris Sanders returning for the Lilo & Stitch sequel? Are you excited to see where this story goes next?
Source: Deadline
Credit:Source link