Jon M. Chu Tapped to Direct Live-Action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Movie

The 41-year-old, known for helming “Crazy Rich Asians,” is already with the studio for the series “Willow” on Disney Plus, serving as director and executive producer.

 

The original movie, written and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, follows a little girl from Hawaii named Lilo, who befriends a dog-like extraterrestrial and calls him “Stitch.”

The film inspired “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” on TV, which aired from 2003 to 2006, as well as direct-to-video sequels “Stitch: The Movie,” “Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch” and “Leroy and Stitch.”

Disney now has its eyes on Chu to direct a live-action remake, which was first revealed in 2018, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The studio is also looking for a writer to work with Chu, developing on the current draft from Mike Van Waes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, the banner behind Disney’s live-action “Aladdin,” are reportedly producing the movie. Ryan Halprin, also from Rideback, will be the executive producer.

Disney has pushed several theatrical releases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this writing, it’s unknown whether the new “Lilo & Stitch” will launch in cinemas or on Disney Plus.

Chu, who is also known for “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and “Jem and the Holograms,” more recently directed “In The Heights,” a film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical of the same name, set to release on June 18, 2021.

Feature Image Screenshots via Walt Disney Pictures / MovieClips Classic Trailers (left) and TED (right)