Walt Disney Pictures has officially announced that it is moving forward with a sequel to the highly successful live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.

The exciting news was shared on social media platforms on Thursday, June 26, a date that holds special significance for fans of the franchise due to its connection to the character Stitch. Known as Experiment 626, the quirky blue alien has become a beloved figure since the original animated film debuted in 2002. The clever timing of the announcement highlights Disney's awareness of its audience and their fondness for these nostalgic references.

The decision to create a sequel was not unexpected, considering the impressive box office performance of the live-action adaptation, which has already garnered over $923 million globally against a production budget of approximately $100 million. In the film industry, such financial success often leads to sequels; typically, films that achieve these kinds of numbers tend to see production budgets increase by more than double for subsequent installments.

The live-action film, a remake of the beloved animated feature directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, had its own unique journey to the big screen. Initially intended as an exclusive release for Disney+, studio executives later decided to upgrade it for theatrical release, showcasing their belief in the project’s potential to resonate with audiences.

The storyline revolves around a young girl named Lilo, portrayed by Maia Kealoha, who forms a deep bond with Stitch, a rambunctious alien creature designed as a weapon of chaos. Alongside Lilo and Stitch, actors Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen portray two aliens in human disguise who are on a mission to capture Experiment 626.

Dean Fleischer Camp directed this lively remake, with a screenplay penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. The talented production team included Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, the latter of whom is now serving as the head of Netflix Films. The film also saw the involvement of executive producers Ryan Halprin, Louis Provost, Tom Peitzman, and Thomas Schumacher.

While the announcement about the sequel has been received with enthusiasm, it did not provide any details regarding the creative team that will be involved in bringing this next chapter of Lilo and Stitch's adventure to life.