Disney Confirms Angel Joins ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ with First Look at the Sequel

Disney’s strategy of remaking live-action films has seen both triumphs and setbacks, but few have resonated as strongly as last year’s reimagining of ‘Lilo & Stitch’. The film emerged as a box office sensation, achieving the largest Memorial Day opening in history and demonstrating a significant demand for the cherished franchise.

This success made a sequel feel almost inevitable, prompting Disney to initiate development shortly after the original’s release. This set the stage for one of the most eagerly awaited reveals at this year’s D23 event.

The excitement culminated at the event, where Disney announced that ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ is set to hit theaters on May 26, 2028. A teaser was unveiled, showcasing the live-action debut of a beloved character. Maia Kealoha, reprising her role as Lilo, took the stage with a fuzzy, waving Stitch to introduce the footage, joined by returning star Sydney Agudong, who portrays Nani.

The most significant reveal came when the teaser introduced Stitch’s pink counterpart and love interest, Angel, marking her first-ever live-action appearance. “Wait, there’s two of them?!” Kealoha humorously remarked as Angel’s glowing antennae lit up the screen, eliciting a strong reaction from the audience.

Known as Experiment 624, Angel was first introduced in ‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series’ and has since become a fan favorite, especially in merchandise. Notably, Angel was absent from the 2005 animated film ‘Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch’, making her live-action debut a fresh addition to the franchise’s history rather than a mere retelling.

In the original series, Angel possesses a siren-like song that can revert reformed experiments to their original chaotic states, opening up numerous storytelling possibilities for the sequel. Disney has confirmed that the sequel will present an entirely new narrative, rather than adapting the plot of the 2005 animated follow-up.

Chris Sanders, who co-created the original 2002 animated film and has voiced Stitch for over two decades, is directing the sequel from his own script, taking over from ‘Lilo & Stitch’ 2025 director Dean Fleischer Camp. Jonathan Eirich is returning to produce through Rideback, with production set to begin later this year.

The release timing places ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ within Disney’s packed summer 2028 schedule, arriving just three weeks before Pixar’s ‘Incredibles 3’, which is slated for June 16, 2028. This indicates Disney’s confidence in both franchises as they approach this competitive release window.

The original ‘Lilo & Stitch’ earned $1.038 billion globally on a $100 million budget, making it one of only three billion-dollar films released that year. Such impressive box office success all but ensured a sequel would eventually follow, and the announcement of Angel’s inclusion has further heightened fan excitement.

Reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm over finally seeing Angel brought to life in live action after years of familiarity through animation and merchandise. For a franchise already proven to be a box office powerhouse, adding one of its most requested characters only amplifies expectations.

With a confirmed release date and Angel’s live-action debut now official, ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ has quickly become one of Disney’s most anticipated upcoming releases.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!