The in-development Lilo & Sтιтch 2 gets a major writing update as its predecessor continues to soar at the box office. 2025’s Lilo & Sтιтch, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved 2002 animated movie, has been a runaway success since it debuted over Memorial Day weekend. To date, the film is the only Hollywood movie of the year to earn $1 billion globally.

As a result, Disney has officially greenlit Lilo & Sтιтch 2, with the announcement coming just over a month after its predecessor’s release. No release date has been set, and the cast remains unconfirmed, but the main ensemble is expected to return.

Now, the sequel has taken a big step forward. Per ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, original Lilo & Sтιтch writer Chris Sanders has come on board to write the live-action sequel. Sanders served as co-director and co-writer on the 2002 movie alongside Dean DeBlois.

For the live-action Lilo & Sтιтch, Sanders returned to voice Sтιтch, a role he’s held since the franchise first began. However, Dean Fleischer Camp took over directing duties, while Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes penned the script.

What This Means For Lilo & Sтιтch 2

The Sequel Has Plenty Of Momentum Right Now

With Lilo & Sтιтch 2 securing a writer close to a month after its initial announcement, it appears the sequel is proceeding along without much difficulty. In the past, Disney has occasionally run into trouble with developing sequels and follow-ups to their live-action remakes, but Lilo & Sтιтch 2 so far has the momentum to avoid this slump.

Considering the ginormous box office success of the first film, it isn’t surprising that Disney would wish to fast-track the sequel. ᴀssuming Sanders is able to produce a script soon, and that it won’t require any rewrites from additional people, Lilo & Sтιтch 2 could enter production next year and gain a 2027 release date.

Sanders’ hiring also suggests Disney is keen on expanding the Lilo & Sтιтch mythology in a meaningful way. As one of the original creators of the franchise, Sanders has a good grasp of how the universe works and will likely know the best way to keep the spirit of the original story intact.

Our Take On Lilo & Sтιтch 2’s Writing Update

This Should Be A Huge Relief For Fans

Though the live-action Lilo & Sтιтch was broadly well-received, some changes to the original movie were deeply controversial among fans. However, the news that Sanders will write the sequel will likely be met with some relief, even with those who disagreed with certain changes.

Sanders will have the franchise’s best interests at heart, as he knows what parts of the original movie matters the most. With Lilo & Sтιтch 2, he can craft a story that bridges the gap between the animated movie and its live-action counterpart, charting a positive course forward for the franchise.

Source: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline