Disney Unveils First Look at Lilo & Scratch
The new animated short from Walt Disney Animation Studios is the studio's first new short in five years.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Animation
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Walt Disney Animation Studios has released first look images for Lilo & Scratch, a new animated short directed by Malcon Pierce and Fawn Veerasunthorn. The short will screen in theaters with showings of Hexed beginning November 25, 2026.
Why it matters
The short marks the first new animated short from Walt Disney Animation Studios in five years and blends 2D-influenced designs from the original Lilo & Stitch film with the studio's current CG production pipeline. It also features returning voice talent, with Chris Sanders reprising his role as Stitch.
The short is the first new Walt Disney Animation Studios short in five years, arriving 24 years after the original Lilo & Stitch film. Its runtime, budget and commercial performance have not been disclosed.
The players
Walt Disney Animation Studios
The animation division of The Walt Disney Company, responsible for classic and modern animated features and shorts, including the original Lilo & Stitch.
Chris Sanders
An animator, writer and director best known for co-directing the original Lilo & Stitch and for voicing Stitch across the franchise.
The details
Lilo & Scratch is directed by Malcon Pierce and Fawn Veerasunthorn, with Maia Kealoha voicing Lilo and Chris Sanders reprising Stitch. The short combines hand-drawn-influenced 2D designs with CG animation, a look that echoes the original 2002 film while using current studio production tools.
Timeline
November 25, 2026: Lilo & Scratch begins screening in theaters with showings of Hexed.
Summer 2028: Lilo & Stitch 2 is targeted for release, with no concrete date announced.
Industry Dynamics
The short continues a pattern of Disney revisiting its animated library, following a live-action Lilo & Stitch remake that was among the studio's most successful remakes but drew fan criticism for departing from the 2002 film. It signals a return to hand-drawn-influenced animation as the franchise expands toward Lilo & Stitch 2.
Moviegoers can see Lilo & Scratch only in theaters, attached to showings of Hexed beginning November 25, 2026. No streaming platform or home-release date has been announced for the short.
The takeaway
Check showtimes for Hexed starting November 25, 2026, if you want to catch Lilo & Scratch on the big screen. Keep an eye on official Disney channels for Lilo & Stitch 2 updates ahead of its expected Summer 2028 window.
What happens next
Lilo & Scratch begins screening in theaters with Hexed on November 25, 2026, and Lilo & Stitch 2 is expected in Summer 2028.
Further reading
Explore more animation news on the latest studio releases and short films.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Comicbook.
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