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Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ sets release date as Angel makes her live-action debut

Experiment 624 enters Disney’s sequel as Chris Sanders returns to direct a new story for Lilo and Stitch.

Disney is bringing Lilo, Stitch, and their ohana back to theaters, and the next live-action chapter will add another experiment to the family. The studio previewed ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ at D23 on Friday, August 14, offering the first look at Angel, Stitch’s pink counterpart and love interest. The sequel will tell a brand-new story, with original Stitch co-creator and voice actor Chris Sanders taking charge behind the camera. Disney announced ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ to release in theaters on May 26, 2028, at the start of Memorial Day weekend. 

The sequel’s release plan is the same as the holiday slot used for the first live-action movie in 2025. The sequel was set for development right after the first movie was released. It was formally announced on June 26, or better yet, 6/26, referring to Stitch’s government name, Experiment 626. The 2025 remake earned over $1 billion worldwide, including $423.7 million at the domestic box office. It had initially been planned as a Disney+ release before the studio moved it to theaters. Disney has not revealed the sequel’s plot. However, they confirmed that it will follow a new story rather than remaking an existing animated installment.

The D23 preview revealed Angel through her pink appearance and glowing antennae. Maia Kealoha, who played Lilo in the first live-action movie and introduced the footage onstage, reacted to the reveal by joking, “Wait, there’s two of them?!” Disney has not confirmed how Angel will enter Lilo and Stitch’s story or whether other experiments will appear. Angel is also known as Experiment 624 and first appeared in ‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series.’ Her siren song can turn reformed experiments back to evil. Angel eventually becomes Stitch’s love interest and has appeared across the franchise since her television debut. Sanders, who voiced Stitch in the animated and live-action films, will direct the sequel. He co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed Disney’s 2002 animated ‘Lilo & Stitch.’ Jonathan Eirich will return as producer through Rideback, while Ryan Halprin will serve as executive producer. Disney has not announced which other cast members will appear.