Disney Unveils New Stitch Short and 'Hexed' Footage at Annecy

Disney made a pair of animated announcements at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, surprising attendees with a theatrical short featuring Stitch and showing new footage from the upcoming feature 'Hexed'. The short, titled 'Lilo & Scratch', serves as a follow-up to the 2002 classic 'Lilo & Stitch' and will premiere in theaters ahead of the November release of 'Hexed'.

The short is set shortly after the events of the original film and centers on Stitch learning to adjust to family life when Lilo brings home a new cat. According to Variety, director Fawn Veerasunthorn noted that this is Disney's first theatrical short in five years. Chris Sanders, who originally voiced Stitch, reprises his role for the new project.

VarietyDisney Announces 'Lilo & Stitch' Theatrical Short 'Lilo & Scratch' at Annecy Festival

"Lilo brings home a new cat, leading to a chaotic chase around the island."

Disney also used the festival to preview 'Hexed', its upcoming animated feature scheduled for release on November 25, as reported by Deadline. The new footage was presented alongside the short's surprise premiere, building anticipation for both projects.

DeadlineDisney Shows New 'Hexed' Footage and Premieres 'Lilo & Scratch' Short at Annecy Festival

The 'Lilo & Scratch' short will play in theaters before screenings of 'Hexed', creating a direct pairing for audiences. The combination marks a notable return to theatrical shorts for Disney, with the short serving as a bridge between the original film and a new generation of viewers, while 'Hexed' carries the studio's current animated slate forward.