Industrial Light & Magic and Disney Studios have released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing an inside look at the real-time Stitch activation that wowed audiences ahead of and at the Lilo & Stitch premiere.
In other Stitch-tastic news, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news today that original Lilo & Stitch creator Chris Sanders, will return to the franchise to write the screenplay for the live-action sequel Lilo & Stitch 2. Sanders is the writer and director of DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar-nominated features The Wild Robot (for which he is also developing a sequel), The Croods and How to Train Your Dragon {2011, with Dean DeBlois), as well as the original voice of Stitch.
The BTS video dives into how the real-time Stitch experience was developed, coordinated and executed and showcases how ILM, Disney Studios and Skywalker Sound worked together to bring Stitch into the real world for the fans — from the tech that powered his animations to the creative team behind his performance.
“Our goal was to make Stitch feel truly present,” said Alyssa Finley, Executive Producer of real-time Stitch at ILM. “This wasn’t just about showcasing technology, it was about deepening the connection between fans and a character they love. Seeing people dance with Stitch and ask him questions live was pure joy.”
In the days before the premiere, real-time Stitch met with the stars from the film and debuted on Disney Studios’ TikTok and Instagram, engaging fans across platforms live through playful interactions, shoutouts, surprise cameos and, of course, dance offs. Stitch then completed two days of interviews at the film’s press junket, speaking with outlets around the world, creating viral moments that racked up millions of views across social media.
At the premiere in Los Angeles, guests were invited to interact with Stitch by asking him impromptu questions, dancing with him and experiencing his signature mischief in real life. This was made possible by ILM’s innovative live performance capture and real-time animation technology seamlessly integrating with teams from Disney Studios and Skywalker Sound.
“Stitch has always held a special place in the hearts of fans around the world so we knew this never-before-seen chance to interact with him had to feel just as heartfelt and memorable,” said Jason Eskin, VP of Marketing at Disney Studios. “Seeing fans light up when Stitch talked to them in real life was a reminder of why we create these moments. It was truly Disney magic, made possible through ILM’s incredible innovation.”
Last week, Lilo & Stitch became the first Motion Picture Association film to surpass $1 billion in worldwide box office this year. The pic opened over Memorial Day weekend to a record-breaking $183 million (four days), and has raked in more than $400 million in domestic box office. Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) directed from a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes.
Lilo & Stitch is now available on digital and will be released on Blu-ray on August 26.
The release includes exclusive bonus features, deleted scenes and more.
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