8 reasons we’re excited for the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie

As a long-time Disney enthusiast with memories of watching “Lilo & Stitch” at the theaters back in 2002, I must say that I am thrilled to see this beloved animated classic coming to life on the big screen once more!

In 2025, we can expect the return of “Lilo & Stitch,” a Disney remake that has us excited for several compelling reasons!

Over the past decade, I’ve been utterly captivated by Disney’s live-action remakes of classic animated films. Some critics might argue that they don’t quite match up to the originals, but the blockbuster hits like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid prove there’s a dedicated fanbase for these reimagined tales. Admittedly, not every remake has been top-notch (Pinocchio being one of them), and I must admit my expectations for the upcoming Snow White are rather subdued.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how unique Lilo & Stitch remains. The 2002 masterpiece, with its hand-drawn animation, undeniably marked the end of an era, raking in an impressive $273 million at the box office. It not only led to a successful TV series spin-off, but also inspired the Stitch’s Great Escape ride at Disney World and continues to be cherished by fans worldwide. Given its rich legacy, it’s no surprise that it’s set to join the live-action trend, and I can’t wait to see what fresh excitement it will bring!

1. The story remains a top one

The film is consistently acclaimed for its engaging plotline, featuring the antics of a mischievous extraterrestrial named Stitch who arrives on Earth and becomes friends with an unusual girl called Lilo. As they develop a strong relationship, they must dodge pursuits from both intergalactic law enforcement agents and scientists. The narrative emphasizes family themes, as Lilo, her elder sister Nani, and their unique dynamic face challenges but remain supportive, eventually accepting Stitch into their unconventional household.

In a fresh, live-action take, the story should stay true to its essence, expanding upon it with extra scenes. By casting real actors in the roles, we can infuse the narrative with even greater emotion, breathing new life into one of Disney’s less celebrated family tales that could truly shine in this format.

2. It can expand on the original tale

These live-action adaptations occasionally introduce elements not present in the original animated versions due to time constraints. In this instance, it seems that Lilo and Nani’s parents have passed away some time ago, leaving Lilo with hazy memories and contributing to her unique personality. Simultaneously, Nani is striving to balance her schoolwork and the responsibility of caring for her sister. Consequently, we’ll delve deeper into the struggles the sisters encounter before Stitch joins their lives, thereby enhancing the overall dramatic narrative.

3. The original cast is back

A great bit is that much of the film’s original cast is taking part in this. Chris Sanders is once more voicing Stitch, his unique voice and growls, making their alien distinctive and one of a kind. Tia Carrere, who played Nani, is now a social worker, so it’ll be fun seeing her and the new Nani (Sydney Agudong) getting along. Jason Scott Lee, who played Nani’s boyfriend David, is a luau bar manager, while Amy Hill appears as David’s grandmother. While sadly, Lilo herself, Daveigh Chase, has retired from acting, having the original cast members back gives this new version some great life. 

4. The new actors look just as fun

As fun as seeing the original cast members will be, the new actors look good too. Maia Kealoha looks downright adorable as Lilo and Sydney Agudong also fits the role of Nani well. They don’t look like the spitting image of the animated versions, but they still work well and believable as sisters. Also, Courtney B. Vance is an inspired choice for Cora Bubbles, not the hulking brute but more believable as a social worker with a sinister past and should pull it off well. While Stitch is the star, the human characters look to be just as important. 

5. We can get more alien antics

In addition to Stitch, Dr. Jumba (portrayed by Zach Galifianakis) and Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) – an expert in Earth matters – also make appearances. The film could expand on their antics as they navigate Earth, with the CGI effects making them seem even more peculiar than their animated counterparts. With additional time devoted to these characters, the humor of Stitch’s escapades from these two will be amplified, leading to more entertaining mischief.

6. The Hawaiian setting will pop nicely 

In 2002, the animated movie showcased Hawaii beautifully. Fast forward to 2025, imagine watching the live-action version filmed on location! The islands’ natural charm will captivate viewers as they witness the real beauty of these places, making it even more stunning. Few locations are as striking on screen as Hawaii and when combined with special effects and a touch of Disney magic, this love letter to paradise becomes even more enchanting.

7. The effects look great 

626’s experiment has just joined our conversation! The real-life Lilo & Stitch movie will be exclusively playing in cinemas starting summer 2025!

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) August 10, 2024

Fans were naturally concerned seeing the beloved Stitch jumping from animated to CGI. We’ve all seen the horrors of making that work in various ways (The Lion King) and the fears were high he’d look terrible. Thankfully, Disney silenced those doubts with footage of Stitch at D23 and he looks perfect. They haven’t tried to “upgrade” the design, they stuck to the animated version as closely as possible, and the effect is stunningly good. If the rest of the movie’s FX match this level, we’re in for a great time. 

8. It won’t be as hampered by music

Lilo & Stitch stood out among Disney Renaissance classics due to its non-musical nature, with Elvis Presley and other classic rock ‘n’ roll songs replacing the usual original tunes. This allowed the actors to avoid musical expectations and filmmakers to avoid the distraction of constantly improving the music, a common issue in many Disney films. While there may be a sprinkle of additional rock tracks and perhaps a couple of original songs, the focus remains on the comedy aspect, making it an enjoyable experience to replicate this style.

Combining all aspects, it seems quite promising that Lilo & Stitch could rank among the superior live-action versions of Disney animated films, effectively retelling the story for a fresh audience.

Lilo & Stitch streaming on Disney+.

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2024-09-06 16:27