Ohana Means More Success: Disney Greenlights Live-Action Lilo & Stitch 2
Get ready to ride the wave again! Disney has officially confirmed that a live-action sequel to its massively successful Lilo & Stitch adaptation is currently in development. The news follows the first film’s extraordinary performance at the global box office and underscores the enduring strength of the beloved franchise.
The announcement arrived on Thursday, June 26th, a date significant to fans as “626 Day,” referencing the experiment number of the chaotic yet lovable blue alien, Stitch. Disney tapped Experiment 626 himself for the reveal, sharing a playful video on social media featuring the live-action Stitch causing a bit of mayhem by driving a pink convertible adorned with “2 FAST” Hawaiian license plates through the Walt Disney Studios lot. The video culminated in Stitch leaving tire tracks that unmistakably spelled out “Lilo & Stitch 2,” signaling his next big screen adventure.
A Box Office Smash Fuels the Sequel
The decision to move forward with a sequel is directly linked to the impressive commercial success of the first live-action film. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the movie captivated audiences and critics alike since its release around Memorial Day weekend in May. It has already earned well over $914 million globally and is on track to potentially become the first film of the year to cross the coveted $1 billion mark worldwide.
This performance is particularly striking when compared to the original 2002 animated Lilo & Stitch, which grossed $274.7 million worldwide during its theatrical run. It also stands in stark contrast to the box office results of some other recent Disney live-action adaptations, such as Snow White, which reportedly earned around $205.7 million globally. The Lilo & Stitch remake’s success places it among Disney’s more profitable live-action ventures, alongside hits like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Its performance is even noted as the second highest-grossing MPA movie of the year to date, trailing only A Minecraft Movie.
Stitch’s Everlasting Popularity
Beyond the film’s immediate box office triumph, the “Lilo & Stitch” brand remains a cornerstone of Disney’s business. Stitch is one of the studio’s most popular and financially successful characters. The franchise generated an estimated $2.5 to $2.6 billion in consumer product sales globally in 2024 alone, ranking it as one of Disney’s “evergreen franchises” exceeding $1 billion in retail sales.
The franchise also shows significant strength on the Disney+ streaming service. The entire Lilo & Stitch library has amassed over 546 million hours streamed globally, with the original animated film accounting for a substantial portion of that total. This multi-platform success solidifies Disney’s confidence in the franchise’s future potential.
What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Lilo & Stitch 2
While the sequel is confirmed to be in development, specific details are currently scarce. Disney has not yet announced information regarding the plot, the anticipated release timeline, or the creative team involved.
It remains unconfirmed whether key personnel from the first live-action film will return. This includes director Dean Fleischer Camp, young star Maia Kealoha (Lilo), and specifically Chris Sanders, who famously voiced Stitch in both the original animated film and the recent live-action adaptation. Sanders’ return was a highlight for many fans of the first remake, and his involvement in the sequel is widely seen as crucial. The cast of the successful first film also included Sydney Agudong (Nani), Kaipo Dudoit (David), Courtney B. Vance (Cobra Bubbles), Billy Magnussen (Pleakley), and Zach Galifianakis (Dr. Jumba Jookiba).
The live-action Lilo & Stitch remake itself was a retelling of the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts a seemingly cute “dog” that is actually Experiment 626, an alien designed for destruction, highlighting themes of family (‘ohana) and belonging. Its success suggests the story continues to resonate across generations.
The confirmation of Lilo & Stitch 2 signals Disney’s intent to continue leveraging its popular animated library through live-action adaptations, building upon the significant financial and audience success generated by this latest hit.
