Overview
- Major outlets reported on Friday, June 12, 2026, that co-creator Chris Sanders will direct the live-action sequel after already writing the script for the project.
- Sanders is expected to again voice Stitch and to direct from his own screenplay while Jonathan Eirich returns as producer and Ryan Halprin is attached as executive producer.
- Disney plans to begin production later in 2026 with a theatrical release scheduled for May 26, 2028, and sources say the sequel will tell a brand-new story rather than adapt earlier direct-to-video entries.
- The studio fast-tracked the follow-up after the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch delivered a record Memorial Day opening and topped $1 billion worldwide, making commercial incentives central to the sequel decision.
- Bringing Sanders to the director’s chair is meant to reassure fans about tone and continuity because he co-created the original 2002 film, long voiced Stitch, and has both animation and live-action directing experience.