Lilo and Stitch is the latest in the long line of Disney IP to get the live-action treatment, much to the chagrin of many. However, that might change once audiences see the first footage of Stitch in action.
Stitch is one of the most recognizable and iconic characters in Disney's roster. Next to characters like Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, Stitch is probably one of the most marketable figures under the company's banner. If there's one thing the live-action remake could absolutely, positively, not get wrong, it was Stitch himself. Did they deliver?
Something Looks Familiar
Long live the...King? 👑#LiloAndStitch, coming to theaters May 23, 2025. pic.twitter.com/4QWeClJkHw
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) December 18, 2024
Keeping with the Disney tradition of Stitch crashing other characters' movies, Walt Disney Studios shared the first look of their live-action alien in the Tweet above, and the results are surprisingly impressive. Not only did they stick to the original design, but Stitch's creator and voice actor, Chris Sanders, reprised the role.
Dean Fleischer Camp is the director behind this reimagining of the sci-fi classic from 2002 and the main cast features Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Agudong as her sister Nani, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, and comedian Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba. A fine crop of talent, to be sure, but can they keep up with our favorite blue troublemaker?
The issue with something like a remake of Lilo and Stitch is that it's not as open to interpretation as something like Cinderella, Snow White, or Aladdin might be. It's one thing for Disney to reshape a commonly known fairytale, but there's something of a risk involved with trying to redo their own success (looking at you, Lion King).
It's no secret that the Disney live-action remakes have sort of a stigma about them. They often have massive budgets, big names in the cast, and make a boatload at the box office, but yet they somehow leave some audience members disappointed with an uninspired taste in their mouths.
One thing that can certainly be said about the Stitch remake is that it's a relief that his original creator is thoroughly involved. Having essentially been responsible for Stitch's very existence, it's reassuring to see Sanders back on board.
The truth of the matter is there's only so much we can learn from a mere few seconds of CGI footage. Yes, Stitch looks great, sounds great, and moves like a natural character, but how will he interact with the rest of the cast in the world Camp creates? We'll simply have to wait until more is unveiled.
In this writer's opinion, the pieces for something great are definitely there, although no one can ever replace the late David Odgen Stiers as Jumba. The question is, will Disney break the lukewarm cycle? Only time will tell.
Disney's live-action remake of Lilo and Stitch comes to theatres May 23, 2025.