“Lilo & Stitch,” the beloved 2002 animated movie from Walt Disney Feature Animation, is next on the list to be made into a live-action film. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback are producing the remake while the studio has hired up-and-comer Mike Van Waes to pen the script for the remake. Lin and Eirich are already known in the Disney studio as they are working on the high-profile live-action remake of “Aladdin.”
The original animated film was written and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, who later became known for their work on “How to Train Your Dragon.”
As many Disney fans will recall, “Lilo & Stitch” is a Hawaii-centric story that tells of the bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who is engineered to be a force of destruction. The movie also included pursuing aliens, social workers and the concept of ‘ohana,’ a Hawaiian concept of extended family.
The film grossed a respectable $273 million at the worldwide box office when it was released and has since become a well-regarded movie that teaches about love, family and friends. “Lilo & Stitch” proved popular in Disney’s animation history that several direct-to-video sequels as well as several television series were developed.
Although it’s unclear whether the new project will is intended for theatrical release or for Disney’s streaming service, Disney Play, the film will be a live-action/CG hybrid.
By: Maytinee Kramer
