Disney announced Thursday it is developing a sequel to its live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake, riding the wave of the film’s massive box office success.
The studio revealed the project on June 26 – a date chosen to reference Experiment 626, the government code name for the blue alien character Stitch. Disney released a brief teaser showing Stitch driving a hot-pink convertible through the studio lot while shouting, “Get ready. Here we go!”
Box Office Triumph
The announcement comes as “Lilo & Stitch” has earned over $910 million worldwide since its Memorial Day weekend release. Originally planned as a streaming-only release, the PG-rated adventure film is now expected to become 2025’s first billion-dollar blockbuster.
The financial success extends beyond theaters. Disney has generated $2.6 billion in consumer products featuring “Lilo & Stitch” characters in 2024 alone, showing the franchise’s lasting appeal 23 years after the original 2002 animated film.
About the Original Remake
The live-action film follows an adorable blue alien who crash-lands in Hawaii and gets adopted by a young girl and her older sister. Director Dean Fleischer Camp helmed the project, which has attracted audiences across different generations.
What’s Next
Disney has not announced details about the sequel, including the creative team, plot, or release date. The studio is keeping information about the follow-up film under wraps for now.
Disney’s Live-Action Strategy
“Lilo & Stitch” joins Disney’s successful live-action remakes alongside “The Lion King” (2019), “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), and “Aladdin” (2019).
However, not all Disney remakes have succeeded, with recent films like “Snow White” and “Dumbo” (2019) failing to connect with audiences and losing money at the box office.
