“STITCH” ING TOGETHER
A BETTER DISNEY REMAKE
In 2002, Walt Disney Animation Studios released Lilo & Stitch, an original animated feature directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. Featuring the voice talents of Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Ving Rhames, Jason Scott Lee, Zoe Caldwell, and Kevin Michael Richardson, the film told the heartwarming and quirky story of Lilo, a spirited Hawaiian girl raised by her older sister Nani, who adopts a genetically engineered alien, Experiment 626, mistaking him for a dog and renaming him Stitch. Designed for destruction, Stitch initially uses Lilo to escape capture by the intergalactic authorities, but their growing bond, and the deep-rooted meaning of ʻohana—causes him to rethink his purpose and embrace family. Released on June 21 of that year, Lilo & Stitch received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, praised for its heartfelt story, sharp humor, charming characters, distinctive animation, and originality. With a modest $80 million production budget, the film went on to gross over $273 million worldwide and was even nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards. Its success solidified it as a standout title in Disney’s post-Renaissance animation era, launching a franchise that included three direct-to-video sequels and several animated television series. Now, nearly 23 years later, Walt Disney Studios and director Dean Fleischer Camp revisit the beloved tale of friendship, chaos, and ʻohana with a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. But does this new remake rise above the growing pile of Disney reimagining’s, or is it just another shallow “cash grab” from the House of Mouse?
THE STORY
Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a quirky and rambunctious six-year-old living in Hawaii with her older sister, Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong). Following the tragic death of their parents, Nani struggles to juggle the responsibilities of guardianship, sacrificing her college dreams as she tries to manage household bills, parental duties, and scrutiny from social worker Kekoa (Tia Carrere). Just as the sisters attempt to navigate their new normal, their world is turned upside down by the arrival of Experiment 626 (Chris Sanders), a wild and genetically engineered alien who crash-lands on Earth. Designed for chaos and constantly on the run from his creators, Galactic Federation Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and mad scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), 626 crosses paths with Lilo, who adopts him as her pet and names him Stitch. As Stitch wreaks havoc and adds to Nani’s already overwhelming stress, Lilo tries to tame his unruly behavior, unknowingly forging a bond that will change all of their lives forever.
THE GOOD / THE BAD
I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again; I’ve always been a big fan of Disney’s animated movies. Growing up with them, each new release felt like it carried a bit of that signature “Disney magic.” While some films stood out more than others, they almost always delivered a wholesome, family-friendly cartoon experience. Lilo & Stitch was no exception and beautifully captured that essence. It carried all the hallmarks of Disney’s storytelling charm, even if it deviated slightly from their traditional formula. Released in the early 2000s, it marked a noticeable shift in the studio’s direction, moving away from whimsical musical fairy tales and leaning into something a bit more experimental.
There’s no doubt that the 2000s were an exploratory time for Disney, as they tried to redefine their creative identity. Lilo & Stitch embraced that change, blending science fiction elements and a modern-day Hawaiian setting to deliver something unique. It was bold, fresh, and full of visual personality. Yet, despite its deviations, the movie still held true to many of Disney’s iconic storytelling trademarks, heartfelt themes, memorable characters, and a meaningful emotional core.
At the center of it all, of course, was the unlikely bond between Lilo and Stitch, a beautifully written and performed friendship that stood as the soul of the movie. Their dynamic was both heartfelt and humorous, capturing the audience with their quirks and emotional journey. The film was witty, endearing, and packed with genuine heart. It’s no surprise that directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois found great success with this film and would later go on to craft another unforgettable tale of friendship with How to Train Your Dragon (2010). While Lilo & Stitch might not be considered the quintessential Disney film, it still stands tall as one of the studio’s strongest and most beloved releases from the 2000s.
Which brings me to Lilo & Stitch (2025), the live-action remake based on the 2002 animated feature. Given that Disney has nearly exhausted its lineup of classic animated films for live-action treatment, it was only a matter of time before the studio turned its attention to some of its more modern properties. Lilo & Stitch was a prime candidate. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been a fan of the original, and its enduring popularity has made it one of the standout titles of Disney’s 2000s catalog. So, it wasn’t exactly a surprise when the studio officially announced a remake.
That said, after the initial announcement, I didn’t hear much about the project for a while. Part of that may have been due to Disney’s other live-action remake (Snow White) dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially with the backlash surrounding its casting and creative decisions. And, well, we all know how that turned out. Because of that, Lilo & Stitch had a lot to prove, not only in honoring the legacy of the original film, but also in justifying Disney’s ongoing push for live-action remakes, which have become increasingly hit-or-miss in recent years.
I remember seeing the trailer pop up occasionally online, though strangely not much in theaters. Still, I was aware of the film’s release on May 22, 2025, and despite my mixed experiences with recent Disney remakes, I remained curious to see how this version would turn out, for better or worse. Coincidentally, it premiered the same day as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which I chose to see first. But with that review now wrapped, I was finally ready to see what Disney had in store with their latest adaptation.
So, what did I think of Lilo & Stitch? Well, I liked it. While the movie is certainly flawed and misses out on some key ingredients that made the original so special, it still retains the core fundamentals of its source material. There’s a breezy charm to this remake, one rooted in humor, heart, and the enduring message of family. It’s not quite on the same level as some of Disney’s stronger live-action efforts like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, or Cruella, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction, and a welcome improvement over many of their more lackluster adaptations in recent years.
Lilo & Stitch is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, whose previous works include Fraud and the critically acclaimed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. While I didn’t get a chance to see Marcel, I had heard plenty of positive buzz surrounding it, particularly for its creativity and emotional depth. Following up that success, Camp takes on the challenge of adapting Disney’s 2002 animated film into a live-action feature.
In that regard, Camp proves to be a fitting choice. His approach to the material is respectful and measured, opting not to radically alter the original’s plot or emotional framework. While there are changes made, some of which don’t entirely work (as discussed earlier), Camp largely preserves the heart of the story. The result is a film that, while not perfect, feels more thoughtfully handled than many of Disney’s recent live-action efforts. It’s a remake that manages to retain the spirit of the original while hinting at a creative direction that feels, at the very least, like a step forward for this trend.
As expected, Camp keeps much of the original narrative structure intact, giving the live-action Lilo & Stitch a familiar framework that mirrors the animated version in pacing and tone. The story flows smoothly, with a few added details sprinkled throughout to flesh out certain aspects. Most notably, these additions help expand on Lilo and Nani’s backstory, giving more weight to their sisterly bond and the looming threat of separation. There’s also a bit of time spent with new side characters and minor scene extensions that attempt to deepen the emotional stakes. Like many of Disney’s live-action remakes, these additions aren’t strictly necessary, but they do offer a slight update that distinguishes this version from the original.
At the heart of the story remains the relationship between Lilo and Stitch, which Camp handles with care. Their growing bond is filled with heartfelt moments that highlight themes of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. Likewise, the connection between Lilo and Nani remains a strong emotional anchor, and Camp wisely includes a few new scenes to reinforce their dynamic. These moments help strengthen the film’s emotional core and give the narrative space to explore the bonds of family from multiple angles. It worked beautifully in the 2002 film, and Camp manages to preserve that same magic here.
Beyond the sentiment, Lilo & Stitch still delivers plenty of charm and humor. Camp leans into the film’s quirky personality, showcasing a mix of adorable and amusing sequences without losing the tone or heart of the original. The action, comedic timing, and overall rhythm feel faithful to the animated film, offering just enough familiarity while introducing a fresh, live-action energy.
Overall, while this remake doesn’t surpass the original, Camp does a commendable job translating the beloved story into a new medium. It’s handled with more care, cinematic integrity, and emotional depth than many of Disney’s recent live-action projects, and that alone is worth acknowledging.
When it comes to presentation, Lilo & Stitch does a commendable job capturing the spirit of its island setting and blending it with light sci-fi elements. Set in Hawaii, the film was shot on location in Oahu, and the natural beauty of the island is put to great use. The lush landscapes, colorful backdrops, and vibrant environment bring an authentic sense of place to the story, all while paying respectful visual homage to the local culture and lifestyle.
From a production standpoint, the movie looks solid. While it may not be awards-caliber in terms of visual design, the overall aesthetic is cohesive and visually pleasing. The efforts of the behind-the-scenes team, including Todd Cherniawsky (production design), Katrin Chong and Vanesa Furnari (set decoration), Wendy Chuck (costume design), and the visual direction of Anne Costa, Angram Li, and Julien Pougnier, are all evident in the way the film’s world comes to life.
The visual effects are also mostly strong throughout, especially in depicting the movie’s sci-fi touches. From alien spacecraft to the CG rendering of Stitch, the effects are handled with polish and fluidity. There are one or two brief moments where the CGI dips in quality, but they’re fleeting and don’t detract significantly from the experience. The film’s cinematography, led by Nigel Bluck, further enhances the presentation with some dynamic and creative camera work that elevates the visual storytelling.
Dan Romer’s musical score hits the right emotional beats and complements the film’s tone well—particularly during the more heartfelt moments. His composition balances the light, playful energy with the sentimental undercurrents that define Lilo & Stitch’s core themes.
As a nice nostalgic touch, the movie also incorporates a few songs from the original film, including “He Mele No Lilo” and “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”. Both tracks are reused in familiar ways and remain just as catchy and heartfelt, preserving a bit of the musical magic that fans remember.
Unfortunately, Lilo & Stitch does have its share of criticisms that hold it back from fully matching, or surpassing, the distinct charm and emotional resonance of its animated predecessor. Don’t get me wrong, what’s presented here is good, and arguably one of Disney’s stronger live-action remakes in recent years (as mentioned above), but there are still several elements that fall short of delivering the “best and brightest” possible version of this retelling.
So, where does it stumble? Well, for starters, this remake struggles to outdo or even match the original’s effectiveness. When comparing the two films side by side, it becomes clear that the 2002 Lilo & Stitch was better paced, more focused, and narratively tighter. Take runtime, for example, the animated film clocked in at a brisk 85 minutes, while the live-action version extends to 108 minutes. That extra 20+ minutes should, in theory, offer room for expansion: new character beats, deeper emotion, or fresh creative choices. Unfortunately, this version doesn’t do much with that added space.
In fact, rather than expanding, it often trims or condenses iconic moments from the original. Personally, I’ve always loved the original’s opening sequence. Coming off Disney’s ’90s Renaissance, it was refreshing to see the studio embrace a sci-fi edge, complete with alien worlds, colorful character designs, and whimsical space politics. That opening not only introduced the tone but efficiently set the stage for key characters like Stitch, Jumba, Pleakley, Gantu, and the Grand Councilwoman. While the live-action version does attempt to recreate this sequence, it’s noticeably scaled back, shortened by nearly half and feeling oddly disjointed in its execution.
I understand that many viewers may already be familiar with the Lilo & Stitch story, which might explain why the remake speeds through its intro. Still, for newcomers or casual audiences, this condensed opening could come off as confusing or underwhelming. Perhaps that’s a personal preference, but it’s a choice that stood out to me.
This pattern continues throughout the film, with several scenes either pared down or altered in ways that don’t fully resonate, whether in terms of storytelling rhythm or character development. Ultimately, these cumulative changes reinforce a broader point: the animated original remains the superior version.
This also brings up the notable absence of a side character from the original Lilo & Stitch that didn’t make the leap into the live-action adaptation, Captain Gantu. Originally voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, Gantu was the respected yet arrogant Shaelik second-in-command of the Galactic Federation, serving as a secondary antagonist to Experiment 626. His omission was confirmed prior to the film’s release, so his absence comes as no surprise. Still, it’s worth mentioning. In the animated film, Gantu brought a sci-fi edge to the narrative, adding weight to the Galactic Federation’s pursuit and raising the stakes during the third act. While I understand the choice to remove him, especially since his role was more limited to the opening and closing segments, his presence did help bolster the climax with added tension and scale. Without him, the third act of this remake feels noticeably lighter and a bit underwhelming. In that sense, Captain Gantu joins the list of other side characters left behind in Disney’s live-action overhaul, like Mushu from Mulan, Chef Louis from The Little Mermaid, and Gopher from Christopher Robin. It may be a minor criticism overall, but for fans of the original, his absence is still felt.
Additionally, this live-action remake leans a bit too heavily into its core message of “ʻOhana,” far more than what was conveyed in the original animated film. Of course, this theme is the emotional backbone of the Lilo & Stitch narrative, so I expected it to be emphasized. However, in this version, it’s reiterated so frequently that it begins to feel overused, almost to the point of tedium. Characters like Lilo and Nani frequently circle back to long-winded reflections on family, ʻohana, and related sentiments. While it doesn’t derail the movie, the repeated emphasis starts to wear thin and overstays its welcome.
From a directorial standpoint, Dean Fleischer Camp plays things relatively safe, choosing to keep this adaptation closely tethered to the original’s narrative blueprint, often to a fault. His direction, while competent, comes across as slightly stiff, opting for familiarity over bold creativity. Even moments that could’ve used a more intense emotional or dramatic impact, such as some of the more chaotic or violent beats, are noticeably watered down. Like many of Disney’s live-action endeavors, this film also suffers from the addition of new material that lacks the charm or resonance of the original, with Camp struggling to inject any real magic into those scenes.
As mentioned earlier, the film’s third-act climax is reworked, and while the change isn’t entirely ineffective, it does feel somewhat underwhelming in execution. Compared to the original’s more emotionally charged and suspenseful finale, this version lacks the same level of urgency or payoff. It’s a serviceable conclusion, but one that feels restrained, another example of Camp playing it safe instead of fully embracing the more daring and dynamic aspects that made the animated film stand out.
What helps offset some of the film’s shortcomings is the cast, which generally rises to the occasion in bringing these animated characters to life. Most of the ensemble handles their roles with a fair amount of heart and sincerity, with some delivering standout performances and others offering more modest interpretations. A few casting choices may feel slightly off, but overall, the actors do a commendable job channeling the whimsical charm and emotional resonance of the original film.
The brightest star of the film is undoubtedly young newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai. Playing the eccentric and spirited six-year-old Hawaiian girl, Kealoha brings an impressive amount of personality and nuance to the role, especially for her acting debut. She captures Lilo’s blend of oddball quirks, emotional vulnerability, and rebellious energy with natural ease. Her performance feels authentic and endearing, and she holds her own remarkably well, especially in scenes shared with the CG character Stitch and her adult co-stars. The narrative arc for Lilo remains mostly unchanged from the original, keeping things straightforward and accessible. Could more depth or variation have been added? Possibly. But what’s presented works, and Kealoha’s portrayal is undeniably charming, wholesome, and captivating.
Opposite her, the other half of the title comes in the form of Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, a blue, genetically engineered alien who Lilo adopts as her dog. Voiced once again by original co-director and voice actor Chris Sanders, Stitch retains all his chaotic charm. Hearing Sanders reprise the role adds a layer of nostalgic delight, especially with his signature blend of broken English and playful alien gibberish. His voice work is still spot-on, and it brings much of the same humor, mischief, and emotion that made the character so beloved in the animated version.
To be sure, Stitch remains an impulsive, destructive little “wrecking ball” with a mischievous streak that causes havoc wherever he goes. Yet, watching him evolve over the course of the film is just as satisfying now as it was in 2002. While the character isn’t drastically reimagined, the film includes a few new scenes and situations that showcase his antics in fresh ways, still fun, still creative, and still amusing to watch. Thanks to a combination of solid visual effects and Sanders’ voice performance, Stitch continues to be a lovable character with surprising emotional depth.
As mentioned earlier, the heartfelt bond between Lilo and Stitch remains the emotional center of the film. Their evolving friendship is still compelling and heartwarming from beginning to end, brought to life beautifully through Kealoha’s earnest performance and Sanders’ endearing voice work.
The third major character in the Lilo & Stitch narrative is Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister and legal guardian, portrayed by actress Sydney Elizabeth (Infamously in Love and At Her Feet). Elizabeth does a solid job in the role, grounding Nani in a way that feels both real and relatable. She effectively captures the emotional tug-of-war between the frustrations of dealing with Lilo’s rebellious behavior and the deep love and protectiveness she feels for her sister. The film introduces a few new character elements and narrative beats for Nani, but they don’t add much overall and feel more like light embellishments than meaningful expansions. They’re fine in concept but ultimately don’t elevate the character in any significant way. Still, Elizabeth’s performance brings warmth and sincerity, helping anchor the emotional core of the story.
Next up are the two alien agents sent to capture Stitch: Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the rogue scientist responsible for Stitch’s creation, and Agent Wendell Pleakley, the nervous Earth specialist from the Galactic Federation. Portrayed by Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen, these two characters have long served as comedic foils to the chaos of Stitch, offering a mix of banter and slapstick in the original film. In this live-action adaptation, Magnussen fares better, fully embracing Pleakley’s eccentric charm and jittery behavior. He plays up the awkward physical comedy and wide-eyed bewilderment effectively, especially when disguised as a human. His energy fits the role, and even if the writing isn’t as punchy, he brings a likable presence that works for the film’s tone.
Galifianakis, on the other hand, is more of a mixed bag. While his scenes in human disguise are amusing and play to his dry, deadpan comedic style, his voice doesn’t quite match the larger-than-life alien design of Jumba. The result is a disconnect between appearance and delivery. Additionally, the chemistry between Jumba and Pleakley, one of the original film’s highlights, feels a bit muted here, with the script offering fewer standout lines and less memorable back-and-forth. Overall, both characters still provide moments of levity, but they feel toned down and less impactful than their animated versions. They’re functional within the story but miss the opportunity to fully capture the wit and energy that made their dynamic so enjoyable in the original.
One of the more questionable casting choices is Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, the CIA agent posing as a social worker overseeing Nani’s guardianship of Lilo amid suspicions of alien activity. While Vance is a capable actor, he feels miscast in the role. He lacks the commanding physical presence and deep, authoritative voice that Ving Rhames brought to the original, qualities that made Bubbles so memorable. On top of that, the character’s role is noticeably reduced, with parts of his narrative function handed off to a new character. As a result, Bubbles’ presence in the film feels diminished, making this version a far less impactful iteration than his animated counterpart.
Next is David Kawena, portrayed by Kaipo Dudoit (My Partner and Rescue: Hi-Surf), a fire performer and lifeguard who’s a loyal friend to both Lilo and Nani, and Nani’s obvious love interest. As with the original film, David plays more of a supporting role, with limited influence on the central narrative. In this adaptation, his presence is even more scaled back. While Dudoit brings charm and a likable screen presence, the character is portrayed with a bit more goofiness and clumsy surfer-boy energy, which undercuts some of his potential depth. It’s a bit of a missed opportunity to flesh out David further.
Then there’s Tutu, a new character introduced specifically for this version. Played by Amy Hill (50 First Dates and The Cat in the Hat), Tutu is a native Hawaiian elder, a long-time neighbor of the Pelekais, and the grandmother of David. While her inclusion offers a few lighthearted and sincere moments, she doesn’t contribute much beyond a handful of comedic lines and one or two meaningful pieces of dialogue, lines that could have easily been assigned to David or even Cobra Bubbles. That said, Hill brings warmth and personality to the role, and it’s worth noting that she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the original film and its TV spin-off, making her inclusion a nice nod for longtime fans.
Speaking of original cast, both actress Tia Carrere (True Lies and Relic Hunters) and actor Jason Scott Lee (Mulan and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), the original voices of Nani and David, make brief appearances in this live-action adaptation. Carrere takes on the more substantial role as Mrs. Kekoa, a new character who serves as a social worker evaluating Nani’s guardianship of Lilo. While it’s a sympathetic role and adds a full-circle moment for Carrere, her presence somewhat overlaps with Cobra Bubbles, making his reduced role feel even more sidelined. Jason Scott Lee, meanwhile, has a small cameo as the luau manager. It’s a quick moment, but still a nice nod to the original cast and a respectful inclusion for longtime fans.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Looking for a friend, the young Hawaiian girl Lilo gets her wish in the form of Stitch, a chaotic but endearing alien fugitive, leading to a heartwarming bond as the two navigate their growing friendship while evading the authorities sent to capture him. In Lilo & Stitch, director Dean Fleischer Camp brings Disney’s 2002 animated classic into the realm of live-action remakes, tackling the beloved material with care and restraint. While skepticism is understandable given the recent track record of Disney’s live-action reimaginings, Camp manages to deliver a surprisingly earnest and charming adaptation. Not everything works, some moments feel repetitive, certain character cuts are questionable, and a few elements lose their impact in translation, but the film still manages to find its rhythm. Thanks to Camp’s steady direction, an emotional core that stays intact, bursts of humor, solid production design, and strong performance, especially from Maia Kealoha and returning voice actor Chris Sanders, the remake holds its own. Personally, I found Lilo & Stitch to be a wholesome and enjoyable experience. It’s far from perfect, with some uneven pacing and missteps in casting and story edits, but it’s certainly a step above many of Disney’s more recent live-action efforts. Could it have been handled better in certain areas? Absolutely. But what’s delivered here still works, offering a breezy, heartfelt film that should resonate with younger viewers and nostalgic fans alike. As for my recommendation, I’d label this as a favorable “recommended.” It’s an easy-to-digest, family-friendly film that’s perfect for a laid-back movie night. And with the box office already responding positively, it’s fair to wonder whether Disney might expand this into a larger live-action franchise, given the extended media that already exists in the Lilo & Stitch universe. Time will tell. For now, Lilo & Stitch stands as a modest but meaningful success, preserving the heart of its animated predecessor while speaking to a new generation with humor and warmth. It’s not perfect, but it works. Or, to borrow Stitch’s words: “It’s little, and broken… but still good. Yeah. Still good.”
3.7 Out of 5 (Recommended)
The Official Website for Lilo & Stitch Link: HERE
Released On: May 22nd, 2025
Reviewed On: June 8th, 2025
Lilo & Stitch is 108 minutes long and is rated PG for action, peril, and thematic elements
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