Chris Sanders to Direct Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Sequel

Chris Sanders is taking the helm to direct the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of 'Lilo & Stitch.' The filmmaker, who co-created the original animated film and provides the voice for Stitch, will also pen the screenplay for the project.

The announcement comes on the heels of the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' opening to $183 million over Memorial Day weekend last year, marking the first film to cross the billion-dollar threshold at the global box office that year.

Disney officially greenlit the sequel in June, strategically choosing June 26 as the announcement date—a nod to Stitch's designation as Experiment 626. The live-action follow-up will premiere on May 26, 2028.

The same year will see the release of 'Incredibles 3,' arriving on June 16, 2028.

In related news, Disney and Pixar have unveiled a teaser trailer for 'Gatto,' one of their most eagerly awaited upcoming titles. The animated feature is slated for a spring 2027 release and was first introduced a year prior at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

The film explores the criminal underworld of Venice, Italy, reimagined as a feline-dominated setting. Director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren, the creative team behind 'Luca,' are leading the project.

The voice cast includes Mark Ruffalo, who will voice Nero, a scrappy black cat, and Laurence Fishburne, who will portray Rocco, a ruthless mob boss cat.