According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Sanders, who co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed the original 2002 animated Lilo & Stitch, has signed on to direct the upcoming live-action sequel. Sanders had already been attached as the film’s screenwriter.
The move comes after the surprising success of 2025’s live-action Lilo & Stitch. Several of Disney’s recent remakes have produced mixed results both critically and commercially. Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch exceeded early box office projections. The film outgrossed the live-action Snow White during its first four days in theaters and ultimately earned more than $1 billion worldwide.
Lilo and Stitch with Nani in the Live Action Lilo & Stitch movie – YouTube, IGN
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Its performance was strong enough that Disney quickly moved forward with a sequel, officially announcing the project just weeks after the film’s release.
Original Creator Takes Control
Chris Sanders has remained closely connected to the property throughout its history. In addition to helping create the original film, he also provided the iconic voice of Stitch, a role he reprised for the live-action adaptation. His involvement has often been viewed as a key link between the animated classic and Disney’s modern reimagining.
While the 2025 film was generally well received, some of its creative changes sparked controversy among fans. Many critics argued that director Dean Fleischer Camp undermined the heart of the original story through comments he made after the film’s release.
Lilo and Stitch in Lilo & Stitch – Disney
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In an interview, Camp said, “We wanted to tell a story that’s honest about what it means to lose everything and still find a way forward. People do get left behind, like what Nani says, and it’s incumbent upon the community to make sure that they aren’t forgotten.”
With Chris Sanders now serving as both writer and director of Lilo & Stitch 2, some fans may be hopeful that the franchise will return more closely to its roots.
Could Captain Gantu Return?
Early reports indicate that Lilo & Stitch 2 will feature an original story rather than adapt the 2005 direct-to-video sequel, Stitch Has a Glitch. That has led to speculation online that the new film could introduce Captain Gantu. While he served as the primary antagonist in the animated original, the character was completely absent from the live-action adaptation.
Captain Gantu from Lilo & Stitch – YouTube, Isaac Carlson
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At the time, Camp said that “Gantu was one of those things that just didn’t work so well in live action.” He framed the decision as a way to create more breathing room for the emotional story between the two sisters. However, some fans believe the character’s absence came down to budget limitations.
With the impressive performance of the first film and Chris Sanders now directing the sequel, any barriers to Gantu’s return may have been removed.
Disney Already Has a Release Date
The sequel appears to be moving forward quickly. The Hollywood Reporter states that production is expected to begin later this year, with Disney already setting a theatrical release date of May 26, 2028.
Whether Sanders can satisfy both longtime fans and newer audiences remains to be seen. However, after a billion-dollar box office run with the first live-action film, Disney appears determined to keep the next installment in the hands of someone who helped define these characters from the very beginning.
How do you feel about Chris Sanders taking over as director the Lilo & Stitch sequel? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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