Disney is bringing back Lilo & Stitch with a new animated short, set to debut in theaters ahead of the animated feature "Hexed" on November 25. This marks Disney's first theatrical short release in five years.
Chris Sanders, the original writer and director of the 2002 film "Lilo & Stitch," is returning to voice the character of Stitch. Maia Kealoha, who portrays Lilo in the upcoming live-action remake, will lend her voice to the character in the short.
The new short was helmed by "Hexed" co-directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, with animation contributions from Alex Cooper Schmidt, an animator from the original film. Schmidt created hand-drawn versions of Stitch that are incorporated alongside CG animation. The short also features watercolor backgrounds, a blend of hand-painted and digitally created elements.
"Many people at our studio across multiple disciplines wanted to work with these characters," Veerasunthorn stated during a panel at the Annecy Festival. "We worked with our incredible team to figure out how every artist – whether to use pencil, pixel, paintbrush, or synthetic pen – could join in on this."
The narrative begins with Stitch relaxing with Lilo's pet fish, Pudge. Lilo then arrives home with a new surprise: a kitten named Scratch. While Lilo departs to find a gift for Scratch, Stitch is left alone with the feline, who exhibits an immediate interest in Pudge. The ensuing events see Stitch confronting his new, small adversary.
Artistic director Malcon Pierce described the plot: "What follows is a wild, chaotic chase across the island that leads to a laser-blasting battle between Stitch and Scratch throughout town. This is the type of mayhem we love with this character."