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Disney is trying to convince Lilo & Stitch's co-creator to return to write the live-action sequel (but he already said no to directing it)
Chris Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the original animated Lilo & Stitch and has voiced Stitch in nearly every version of the character.
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Despite some misgivings about the new ending, Disney has a certified hit in their Lilo and Stitch live-action remake. The film has recently crossed the $1 billion threshold globally and a sequel is on its way. Disney wants to make sure that Lilo & Stitch 2 captures the magic of the original, so they’re currently trying to convince one of the animated version’s original writers and directors to return to pen the script.
Chris Sanders, who co-wrote and co-directed the original Lilo & Stitch as well as voiced the titular alien in both versions, is reportedly in final negotiations to return to the franchise he helped create. The deal would not see him returning as director of the new live-action film but would see him write the new script for the recently announced sequel. Sanders is also working on a sequel to 2024’s The Wild Robot, which he wrote and directed.
That script has a few directions that it could go. The original animated Lilo & Stitch movie spawned two direct-to-video sequels and an animated series, but the sequel to 2025’s Lilo & Stitch is expected to have a brand-new story. That likely won’t stop Sanders from pulling from those titles for his script.
No release date for Lilo & Stitch 2 has been announced. Considering that Disney is still trying to lock down a writer, the movie will still be in early development. The first movie has become the first Hollywood film of 2025 to cross $1 billion at the box office, which likely spurred the decision to greenlight a sequel.
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