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Dean Fleischer Camp is embarking on one of his most significant undertakings yet with the live-action reimagining of the classic film, Lilo & Stitch, and enjoys the unwavering backing of both Disney and Rideback. Camp gained prominence with his series of short films featuring Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, which he later expanded into a full-length narrative. This expansion earned widespread praise, securing nominations for Best Animated Feature at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. Notably, Rideback, with Jonathan Eirich involved in the film production, is renowned for producing the LEGO movies, Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes, as well as Disney’s live-action adaptations of Aladdin and Haunted Mansion.

As a passionate admirer, I’m thrilled to be part of the chorus praising Camp’s brilliant collaboration with Chris Kekaniokalani Bright (of Moana fame) and Mike Van Waes (from Dear David). The stellar cast for the upcoming Lilo & Stitch remake is nothing short of breathtaking.

Newcomer Maia Kealoha gracefully steps into the role of Lilo, while Sydney Elizebeth Agudong brings Nani to life in a way that feels fresh and captivating. Chris Sanders, who originated the role of the titular alien, returns to reprise his performance.

Joining this talented ensemble are Hannah Waddingham, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, and Courtney B. Vance, each bringing their unique charm to the table. Tia Carrere, Amy Hill, and Jason Scott Lee also make a welcome return, taking on new characters in this exciting reimagining.

With an additional 20 minutes of captivating storytelling and characters, Lilo & Stitch is garnering widespread praise from critics, who are hailing it as one of Disney’s finest remakes. It’s a testament to the enduring charm and heart of this beloved tale that continues to resonate with audiences.

In celebration of its premiere, ScreenRant spoke with Dean Fleischer Camp and Jonathan Eirich about the new Disney remake, Lilo & Stitch. The director shared his apprehensions about taking charge for this live-action project, along with the key aspects he wanted to preserve in the movie, and the thought process behind Stitch’s design. On the other hand, the producer explained why they believed Camp was the ideal choice to lead the production at Rideback.

Camp Wanted To Honor The Original Lilo & Stitch’s “Authenticity” & Art Style

“The Whole Thing I Was Intimidated By.”

In the latest adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch”, director Camp aimed to maintain the film’s genuine charm, stating it as his favorite animated Disney production. This was primarily due to co-director Chris Sanders’ unique artistic style and drawing technique, which lent the characters a raw, relatable, earthbound feel. As Camp explained, “His drawings have a rough, messy quality, with everything being thicker at the bottom than the top – that’s how he draws things.

Camp further elaborated that Sanders’ unique style was a significant factor in making a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch intriguing for him, as it provided “a chance to infuse a touch more of likeness and earthiness into the characters.” He also disclosed that the primary objective for the remake team was to “accurately and affectionately replicate” the original, with a special emphasis on ensuring that Stitch remained “as expressive and humorous as he initially was,” while simultaneously working to “enhance the emotional bonds and impact.

Discussing his apprehensions about joining the remake, Camp chuckled before admitting “the entire project had me intimidated“, yet he was equally enthusiastic about the return of the character referred to as “the ice cream man“. Similarly, the director felt excited about reinventing the design for the Grand Council Woman’s role, praising the original’s portrayal as both “stunning” and expressing excitement about the challenge of bringing her to life in live-action.

Additionally, she’s among a select group of characters who must transition seamlessly from the fully animated introduction set in space to the live-action scenes that follow. Consequently, her presence posed an intriguing challenge, yet I admire the sense of awe and intimidation she exudes.

A Photoreal Stitch Was Never In The Cards For The Live-Action Remake

“…We Aren’t Futzing Too Much With The Shape Language Or Character Design.”

Since 2019’s “The Lion King” shattered multiple box office records, numerous live-action Disney remakes have attempted to mimic its success by creating incredibly realistic animal characters, which has elicited criticism from both enthusiasts of the original animated versions and critics alike. In the upcoming “Lilo & Stitch,” there were apprehensions that the film would adopt a similar strategy for depicting its title character, but early previews alleviated these fears by showcasing a blend of photorealistic effects with a more cartoonish aesthetic.

Regarding the design of Stitch, Camp emphasized he had no intention of creating another hyperrealistic version of the character. He understood the importance of treating a beloved character like that with respect, stating, “It’s crucial for us to convey love through our adaptation.” To avoid the pitfall other live-action remakes have fallen into by focusing on making their characters look “perfectly lifelike,” Camp prioritized maintaining an authentic and affectionate portrayal of Stitch.

Camp noted, “The fur quality appears extremely high-definition, and the lighting seems seamlessly integrated,” he said. “However, what’s missing here are the individuality, warmth, humor, cuteness, and expressiveness that are characteristic of traditional animation. These elements seem less common in a live-action setting. It was crucial to me that we strike the right balance, ensuring he remains as appealing as possible without overly modifying his shape language or character design. Additionally, I wanted him to be just as expressive and humorous as he is in the original version.

As crucial as designing Stitch’s live-action portrayal was, securing Chris Sanders to reprise his role was equally significant. Camp mentioned that their immediate goal was to bring back the original co-director/star, with everyone agreeing, “we needed him here!” Camp also expressed his gratitude that Sanders was not only willing to return, but that he was “eager and encouraging” towards the project, serving as a sort of moral compass for them.

After finding a location that I truly appreciated for Stitch’s concept art, he was among the first individuals I showed it to, and he consistently provided encouraging feedback.

Eirich & Rideback Were Keen To Find “The Perfect Filmmaker” To Helm Lilo & Stitch

“This Is The Perfect Marriage Of Material And Director.”

This film is the third live-action Disney remake for the studio, following earlier releases like Aladdin and Haunted Mansion. Over the years, Rideback has partnered with numerous directors. Notably, they’ve collaborated frequently with Guy Ritchie. They’ve also worked with a diverse range of filmmakers, including Phil Lord and Chris Miller on The LEGO Movie, Andy Muschietti on the IT films, Ruben Fleischer on Gangster Squad, and Jay Chandrasekhar on Easter Sunday.

When considering who would direct the remake of Lilo & Stitch, Eirich mentioned that Rideback and Disney were primarily looking for an exceptional filmmaker who could truly appreciate the original film’s qualities. According to Eirich, it was after viewing Marcel the Shell with Shoes On early on that they discovered Camp to be the ideal choice. The studio felt that Camp’s “warmth, humor, and the unexpected tears he could evoke from a shell” made him the most suitable candidate for the project.

After watching the movie, it became apparent that the film’s translation was straightforward, and upon learning it was his all-time favorite animated film, it felt as if the story and the director were a flawless match.

More About Lilo & Stitch (2025)

Lilo & Stitch is an upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s 2002 animated film, with a heartwarming and humorous tale about a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her unusual alien friend, Stitch. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who was nominated for an Oscar for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, the film stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. The production is overseen by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

Stay tuned for our other Lilo & Stitch interviews with:

  • Maia Kealoha & Sydney Elizebeth Agudong
  • Tia Carrere, Courtney B. Vance & Chris Sanders

Read More

2025-05-23 21:10

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