Just when we thought Disney remakes couldn’t get any more exciting, we got the news that Lilo & Stitch would be coming to our screens in live-action format.
With the press for the upcoming film well underway, and the premiere date drawing near, fans are hanging on to secure tickets for one of the most nostalgic films of all time.
The 2002 animated science fiction comedy-drama taught us all the meaning of family (I mean ‘Ohana’) and how no one gets left behind. So we are more than stoked to see how this new adaptation will convey these sweet meanings.
Not only this, but the film will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the eyes behind the animated feature film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
So with that in mind, and obvious greatness ahead, scroll down for everything to know about the new live-action Lilo & Stitch.
What is Lilo & Stitch about?
Based on the 2002 animated Disney film, Lilo & Stitch follows the life of a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo, who makes friends with a runaway alien, Stitch.
You most likely get the gist, but Lilo is cared for by her sister Nani, who struggles with her little sister.
When they adopt Stitch from the local pound, who is most definitely not a dog, they eventually figure out that Stitch is a scientific experiment that’s taken refuge on Earth.
Stitch’s initial purpose on earth was to destroy, but after learning all about Ohana, he reconsiders his true purpose— grab the tissues now.
Who is the cast of Lilo & Stitch?
Animated turned real-life, Lilo has been cast as 8-year-old Maia Kealoha, as she lands her first breakthrough role.
Chris Sanders, who co-directed and co-wrote the 2002 Lilo & Stitch, as well as voiced Stitch in the original, will voice Stitch once again.
Sydney Agudong is Nani, Lilo’s sister, Zach Galifianakis is Agent Pleakley, Billy Magnussen is Dr. Jumba Jookiba (aka the mad scientist), Courtney B. Vance is Cobra Bubbles, Tia Carrere is the social worker Mrs. Kekora and Amy Hill is the neighbour Tūtū.
Why are we so excited about it?
Firstly we love the emphasis on family, highlighted by the Hawaiian concept of ‘Ohana’, which Lilo explains to Stitch means that no one is left behind or forgotten.
Stitch was originally named Experiment 626, and we get this sweet story of alien meets orphan, and how Lilo realises that she really did need Stitch after all.
So I guess from all that we could take the message as us all needing a little alien-koala friend to give us our happiness? Right?
Where to watch Lilo & Stitch
The 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is coming to Australian cinemas from May 22, 2025.
However, in the meantime, watch the animated versions on Disney+.
Stream Lilo & Stitch on Disney+ from $15.99/month. Subscribe here.
