Lilo & Stitch: Jon M. Chu in talks to direct the live-action remake

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It seems that each of Disney's animated classics is destined to receive a live-action remake, and it's been two years since it was first announced that the studio was developing a live-action remake of LILO & STITCH. The 2002 film told the story of a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo and an extraterrestrial dog-like creature known as Experiment 626, but he's soon given the name Stitch after being adopted by Lilo. Although Stitch is a force of chaos and destruction, he eventually develops a close bond with Lilo and together the pair avoid the pursuing aliens who have been dispatched to capture him.

The project seems to be moving forward as THR has reported that Jon M. Chu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS) is currently in talks with Disney to direct the LILO & STITCH remake. It's not clear if the project will be released theatrically or if it will be a Disney+ original, but I could certainly imagine the film doing very well as a big theatrical release, provided those are still a thing in a few years. Mike Van Waes wrote the most recent draft of the project, but Disney is now looking for a writer to team up with Chu to complete the script.

Jon M. Chu is already involved with Disney as he's slated to direct the pilot episode for Lucasfilm's upcoming WILLOW TV series for Disney+. In addition, Chu will also executive produce the series alongside Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle. "Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me," Chu said. "The story of the bravest heroes in the least likely places allowed me, an Asian-American kid growing up in a Chinese restaurant looking to go to Hollywood, to believe in the power of our own will, determination and of course, inner magic. So the fact that I get to work with my heroes from Kathleen Kennedy to Ron Howard is bigger than a dream-come-true. It’s a bucket-list moment for me. Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle have added such groundbreaking new characters and delightful surprises to this timeless story that I can’t wait for the world to come along on this epic journey with us." Chu's next film will be IN THE HEIGHTS, based on the stage musical of the same name written by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film was slated to hit theaters earlier this year, but thanks to COVID-19, Warner Bros. pushed the film back to a June 18, 2021 release.