Lilo & Stitch director addresses fan outburst after changing ending

The director of the movie “Lilo & Stitch,” Dean Fleischer Camp, has spoken up about the response he received following his alteration of the film’s concluding scene.

In contrast to the 2002 animated film, Disney’s real-life adaptation of the same title was incredibly successful at the cinema. During its debut weekend, it surpassed the earnings of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

The movie, centered around the bond formed by six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and an unruly extraterrestrial named Stitch, received acclaim from critics as well. They praised this reimagining as “Disney’s finest live-action adaptation to date.

Nevertheless, certain enthusiasts of the initial animation felt underwhelmed by the director’s choice to alter the movie’s conclusion, where Nani departs from Lilo to pursue marine biology studies in San Diego instead.

Regarding the conclusion, Camp justified his choice by explaining that a significant portion of the criticism stemmed from people who haven’t watched the film yet.

He shared with Variety, “I’ve had some time to reflect on this matter. I believe that many who criticize the film’s concept haven’t actually watched it, as their comments often contain inaccuracies.

As per Camp’s explanation, the director aimed to broaden the concept of ‘ohana’, a crucial term from the initial movie, which signifies ‘family’.

In simpler terms, Camp shared that Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, a screenwriter of Hawaiian origin, noted that the Hawaiian community would not abandon the two orphaned sisters and instead provide them with support.

In his own words, Camp explained that this situation inspired him to develop the character Tutu. Eventually, Tutu accepts Lilo into her hanai family. Hanai is a culturally significant term referring to an informal adoption practice in some communities. It’s not about blood ties or legal documents but rather love, responsibility towards the community’s well-being, and care for one another.

He added: “It’s difficult to please everyone with these reboots. When you tackle one of these projects, you’re stepping into sacred territory, as these are movies that many of us, including myself, cherished from our childhood, and I completely get the sentiment.

Instead of merely recreating the rhythms of the initial movie, which we deeply admire, we aimed to narrate a tale that truthfully depicts the struggle of losing everything yet finding a path forward. It’s essential to remember that not everyone is left behind, as Nani points out, and it falls upon our community to ensure they aren’t overlooked.

Lilo & Stitch is out now in cinemas.

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2025-06-10 18:49