Lilo & Stitch 2: Sequel to the Live-Action Adaptation in Development
Lilo & Stitch is one of the most successful films of the year
This news should come as no surprise to anyone: After the huge success of the live-action adaptation of "Lilo & Stitch", a sequel is coming! Disney announced this via social media.
In a clip, we see Stitch in a small car on Disney's studio premises. With his car tires, he leaves tracks on the road that clearly read: "Lilo & Stitch 2". A special date was chosen for the announcement: June 26th. Stitch is also referred to as Experiment 626 in "Lilo & Stitch".
It is not yet known which actors will return for the sequel. Nor is it known whether Dean Fleischer Camp will be back in the director's chair. However, many cast and crew members are likely to return. After all, the first live-action film adaptation was a complete financial success, which is why Disney is likely to hold on to its success factors.
The success of "Lilo & Stitch"
"Lilo & Stitch" has currently grossed over 900 million US dollars worldwide. So far this year, only "A Minecraft Movie" and the Chinese blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" have been more successful. This is particularly special, as at times it was not even clear whether the film would even make it to the cinema or go straight to Disney+.
The first animated film of "Lilo & Stitch" also received sequels and spin-offs, including "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch". It will be interesting to see whether the second live-action film will be based on an animated original or whether it will attempt to tell a new story.
The story of "Lilo & Stitch"
When Disney released "Lilo & Stitch" in 2002, the film was a welcome change from the classic fairy tale format. Instead of princesses, the focus was on a Hawaiian outsider – along with an alien experiment programmed for chaos. What begins as a quirky sci-fi comedy quickly develops into a deeply touching story about family, otherness and acceptance.
The plot is set on the island of Kauaʻi, where young Lilo has been living with her older sister Nani since their parents were killed in a car accident. Lilo is a headstrong, imaginative girl who finds it difficult to fit into society. Meanwhile, Nani struggles to cope with suddenly having to take responsibility for her sister as a young adult. Into this fragile family situation bursts Stitch – also known as Experiment 626. Stitch is a genetically engineered being who lands in Hawaii by chance. Lilo adopts him, believing him to be a dog.
Why is "Lilo & Stitch" so special?
What makes "Lilo & Stitch" special is its emotional depth. The story sensitively portrays how family goes far beyond biological connections. The lovingly animated backdrop of Hawaii and the soundtrack, characterized by traditional music and Elvis Presley, give the film an unmistakable atmosphere. The mixture of humor, heart and originality has won over numerous animation fans. Over the years, "Lilo & Stitch" has developed into a cult classic, due to its loving portrayal of outsiders and the unconventional family constellation. "Lilo & Stitch" remains a moving example of how deep an unusual friendship can go.
The previous sequels to "Lilo & Stitch"
Due to the success of the first film, several sequels followed: "Stitch! The Movie", "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch" and "Leroy & Stitch" expanded the universe. They introduced new experiments and further challenges for Lilo and Stitch. "Lilo & Stitch: The Series" deepened the adventures of the two even further.
Director Dean DeBlois
The co-director of the first animated film is Dean DeBlois. The director is currently the talk of the town thanks to another franchise: "How to Train Your Dragon". Similar to "Lilo & Stitch", the first live-action adaptation of a popular animated film was released in 2025. DeBlois developed both the three animated films and the live-action adaptation. A sequel was announced some time ago: "How to Train Your Dragon 2" is due to be released in cinemas on June 11, 2027.
