Disney premiered a surprise theatrical short called Lilo & Scratch at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Friday. The short brings back Stitch and Lilo in animated form, with Chris Sanders helming the project. A brand-new cat character appears in the film, intent on devouring Pudge—Lilo's pet fish and Stitch's companion. The result is chaos.
Disney also dropped fresh footage for its upcoming feature Hexed at the same festival. The studio released Lilo & Scratch without advance notice or promotional campaign, choosing instead to premiere it directly at Annecy.
For fans who grew up with the 2002 original, seeing Stitch return to the screen in theatrical format carries particular weight. That era of Disney animation shaped childhoods, and a theatrical short rather than a streaming exclusive or theme park attraction signals a genuine investment in the character.
With Sanders directing and Stitch's manic energy intact, Lilo & Scratch delivers what fans did not anticipate but wanted. Clips will likely spread across social media platforms immediately.
