Creator Chris Sanders to Direct Lilo & Stitch 2 Live-Action

Remember the mischief of a blue creature and the little girl who taught it what family means? Now imagine that chaos translated back to live action — and steered by one of the original architects. Chris Sanders, the co-creator and co-director behind the animated Lilo & Stitch, has officially signed on to direct the live-action sequel, Lilo & Stitch 2.

He isn't a newcomer to this world. Sanders helped write and direct the original animation, and he’s been the voice of Stitch in both animated and live-action forms. He also served as a screenwriter on this sequel before taking the director's chair. Production is moving forward: cameras are scheduled to roll late this year.

What will this new installment tell us? The film centers on a lonely girl who bonds with an apparently blue puppy — a runaway extraterrestrial built for destruction. Sounds familiar, but the sequel promises an original narrative that avoids simply rehashing the remake that dominated the box office. That live-action version resonated with families and Gen Z viewers, surpassing a billion dollars worldwide and pulling in roughly $423.7 million domestically.

Fans of the franchise know this universe didn’t stop with the first movie. The original spawned two direct-to-video follow-ups and a long-running series, expanding the mythology and deepening the emotional core. Sanders now returns to that universe with new ideas and the kind of insider perspective only a creator can bring.

His track record speaks for itself. Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the original Lilo & Stitch with Dean DeBlois and later collaborated on How to Train Your Dragon. He co-wrote and directed The Croods with Kirk DeMicco, then helmed DreamWorks’ animated adaptation of The Wild Robot in 2024, which reportedly collected nine Annie Awards and attracted three Oscar nominations. He is currently developing a follow-up titled The Wild Robot Escapes.

With Sanders at the helm, this sequel feels less like a studio cash-in and more like a creator reclaiming his story. That promises not just nostalgia, but a fresh take — one rooted in character, humor, and heart. Keep an eye out: Stitch's next chapter is shaping up to be a thoughtful blend of family-friendly spectacle and creator-driven storytelling.