Following the success of his A24 live-action/animated filmMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, director Dean Fleischer Camp has been tasked with directing Disney’s live-action remake ofLilo and Stitch. The remake is only the latest in a long line of Disney remakes of its own classic animated films.
This will be Camp’s first live-action film project for a major studio, but his experience in taking wildly ridiculous story elements and translating them into meaningful family stories speaks for itself.Marcel the Shell with Shoes Onhas made almost $1 million at the box office, while only premiering at 48 locations.
RELATED:Lilo And Stitch Star Wants More Representation In Disney’s Live-Action Remake
While it is unknown at the time whether the newLilo and Stitchfilmwill be a theatrical release or a Disney Plus exclusive, Deadline reports that Chris Kekaniokalani Bright (Tsuru, writer) has been in negotiations to write the script, with Mike Van Waes (Dear David, writer) writing a previous draft. It was also announced that Dan Lin (Godzilla vs. Kong, producer) and Jonathan Eirich (President of Film for Rideback)are producing, with Ryan Halprin (The Lego Batman Movie, producer) executive producing. The 2002 animated film follows the story of a lonely young girl who finds love and friendship in an alien engineered for destruction, while simultaneously showcasing the bond between sisters and what it means to be a family. The film is considered a Disney classic and grossed about $273 million at the box office. This year, the film turns 20 years old, making it one of the youngest live-action remakes Disney has made. Previous live-action remakes includeLady and the Tramp,The Lion King, andAladdin.
Camp first entered the directing scene via the webversions ofMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, which he co-created with his ex-wife Jenny Slate, who co-wrote and starred in the film. Camp also starred (as himself) as the filmmaker who begins documenting Marcel’s adorably poignant musings. The film, which is his first, became a hit for A24 and is poised to open into a wider market. The film has been considered a success for the company, especially with the small opening the animated film received.
TheLilo and Stitchremake was first announced in October 2018 and a release date is still yet to be announced. For now, the film is projected to be released in 2024, and filming was scheduled to begin back in 2020. To stick to the original animated film’s roots, the film will take place in Hawaii. Chris Sanders will be returning to voice Stitch, but other casting details still remain unknown. To see more of Camp’s work prior to the film’s release,Marcel the Shell With Shoes Onis now playing in select theaters.
Lilo and Stitch(2002) is now available on Disney Plus.
