WATCH: Disney Celebrates 23 Years of Stitch Ahead of the Release of ‘Lilo & Stitch’

If you were alive when the first Lilo & Stitch film was released in 2002, you will remember that Stitch was EVERYWHERE.

Following the film’s release, an avalanche of Stitch merchandise quickly hit shelves, and Experiment 626 became omnipresent in the Disney Parks. Suddenly, Stitch appeared alongside Mickey and Friends, starred in his own television show, and became one of Disney’s biggest stars.

Photo: Disney

While Stitch has remained popular over the past 23 years, Disney has largely underutilized the character in the last decade. That has swiftly changed with the upcoming release of the live-action Lilo & Stitch.

Photo: Disney

Now, Stitch-mania is once again sweeping the nation.

David Greenbaum Celebrates Stitch’s Story

In a new video shared on their website, Disney celebrated Stitch’s lasting legacy and the character’s growth over the past 23 years.

Photo: Disney

“Stitch is an example of what Disney actually does best,” David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, said.

Lilo & Stitch. Photo: Disney

“An extraordinary film from 2002 that becomes a series that then over time creates a real fanship, which leads to us looking at the idea of creating this extraordinary film that we now are going to bring out to the world.”

Watch the Video

If you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out now at TheWaltDisneyCompany.com.

As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update on all news surrounding Lilo & Stitch as the film marches towards theaters.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ will hit theaters on May 24. Photo: Disney

Lilo & Stitch will hit theaters on May 24.

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