Two Legendary Animated Characters Share a Surprising Connection

Chris Sanders is a name synonymous with some of the most beloved characters in modern animation. Over his decades-long career, he has left an indelible mark on both Disney and DreamWorks, two of the most influential studios in the industry. His journey through animation and live-action filmmaking is one filled with creative triumphs, setbacks, and remarkable comebacks.

Sanders began his career at CalArts, a breeding ground for many of today’s top animators. During the 1980s, he worked on Muppet Babies and contributed to Marvel Comics before joining Walt Disney Studios in 1987. There, he became a key figure during the famed Disney Renaissance, working as a story artist on iconic films such as The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. His talent soon earned him the role of Head of Story for Mulan, which further solidified his place within the studio.

It was during this time that Sanders first pitched what would become Lilo & Stitch. Originally conceived as a children’s book idea nearly two decades earlier, the concept transformed over a sushi dinner with then-Disney executive Tom Schumacher. The tale of a lonely creature finding belonging in the human world evolved into the now-iconic story of Stitch, a mischievous alien adopted by a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo. Sanders not only directed and co-wrote the film but also provided the voice for Stitch, a character that would define much of his career.

Following the success of Lilo & Stitch, Sanders made a major career move by leaving Disney in 2006 to join DreamWorks. There, he co-directed How to Train Your Dragon, another heartfelt story about an outsider—this time a Viking boy named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless. Much like Stitch, Toothless became a cultural phenomenon, launching a successful trilogy and multiple short films. The movie received critical acclaim, earning two Academy Award nominations and grossing nearly $500 million worldwide.

Despite his track record, Sanders faced one of his biggest challenges when he transitioned to live-action directing with The Call of the Wild in 2020. Although the film starred Harrison Ford and was based on Jack London’s classic novel, it struggled both critically and financially. Critics panned its heavy reliance on CGI, particularly the digitally created lead dog, Buck. The film was even nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Screen Combo due to its unconvincing visual effects.

However, Sanders bounced back impressively with The Wild Robot in 2024. Returning to DreamWorks, he directed and wrote the adaptation of Peter Brown’s popular book series. The film tells the story of a robot stranded in a natural environment, forming emotional bonds with the animals around her. Praised for its stunning visuals reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and a deeply moving narrative accessible to all ages, The Wild Robot quickly climbed the ranks as one of the year’s best films. It secured a spot just below How to Train Your Dragon on DreamWorks’ list of highest-rated animated features.

In addition to his directorial work, Sanders returned to voice Stitch in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. Though he wasn’t involved in the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, he expressed enthusiasm about continuing to voice Stitch for as long as possible. His performance brought back the charm and energy that made the character a fan favorite, helping preserve the emotional core of the original film.

Through ups and downs, Chris Sanders has proven himself to be a resilient and visionary storyteller. From hand-drawn animation to CGI blockbusters and even live-action, his influence spans across genres, studios, and generations of filmmakers.