Stitch has become an unlikely star among Disney’s characters. The blue alien is so popular that he ranks in the top 10 bestselling Disney franchises, alongside stalwarts such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the princesses, Star Wars and Marvel, the company said.

When Stitch returns to theaters this weekend in the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, the little blue guy isn't just going to look like he did back in 2002. He's also going to sound the same too. That's because Disney and the filmmakers behind the live-action redo recruited one of the original's writers and

Step aside, Moana, Elsa and Simba. In recent years, Stitch has quietly become one of Disney’s most popular — and most merchandised — characters.