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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lilo & Stitch Review: I'm Happy To Report Stitch Is Just As Cute & Fluffy In Live-Action, But The Real Star Of The Remake Is Its Human Story
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Lilo & Stitch (2025) Release Date: May 23, 2025 Directed By: Dean Fleischer Camp Written By: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes, Dean DeBlois, Chris SandersStarring: Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Courtney B. Vance, Amy Hill, Hannah Waddingham Rating: PG for action, peril and thematic elements Runtime: 108 minutes I never thought this day would come, but with the new Lilo & Stitch, we've somehow reached the era of live-action Disney movies where the House of Mouse is remaking films from the 2000s… so, I officially feel old. The 2002 animated film came out at the perfect time for me. I was six years old, which is the exact same age Lilo is in the movie when she wishes on a 'shooting star' for an angel, all the while an extraterrestrial convict known as Experiment 626 flees to Earth in hopes of escaping his sentence. I've rewatched it more times than I count, and I would consider it not only one of the best Disney movies ever made, but my personal favorite. So, Dean Fleischer Camp's remake had a lot to live up to here. The results? Somehow, I've been pleasantly dazzled by the story all over again through a new medium. Not in a "I like this more than the animated version" way, but it's pretty much impossible to scoff at a movie as adorable as this, especially when it's pretty darn close to hitting the sweet and emotional beats that's as affecting as ever two decades later. When co-writers/directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders first brought Stitch into this world, it was an especially experimental time for the company following the much beloved Disney Renaissance. Movies like The Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet also came out during this more eccentric and adventure-filled era. It's fun to see the company go back over this movie in particular because it's one of the most wholly original properties it has (i.e: It's not based on a fairytale or anything like that), and the way it holds up in a new medium only highlights how special the idea was to begin with. Going into it, the biggest concern I had about this movie was how Stitch might translate in live-action, especially with him being a long-eared blue alien who passes himself as a dog throughout the story. It's one of those things that works great in an animated movie, and is less believable when real people are involved. However, Disney has absolutely nailed the recreation of Stitch. A huge part of this can be credited to the voice of Stitch, Chris Sanders, coming back for another round, but the animation and effects departments clearly agonized over getting Stitch to be as cute and fluffy as he was in 2D animation. At the same time, audiences might come out of this Lilo & Stitch feeling like the destructive alien has been a bit overshadowed by its human characters. There's a few less gags for 626 to be part of in order to lean into the more realistic elements, and it can feel like the movie's more so from the perspective of Nani and the adults in the movie instead of from the imaginative headspace of Lilo. You can't have Stitch without Lilo, and newcomer Maia Kealoha brings a welcome new energy and delight to the six-year-old. There's something about seeing an actual small child fall in love with a little alien that makes those tears flow easier than ever. Other Disney remakes seemed to have gone into the process with hopes of updating it for a modern audience, from Snow White making its leading heroine more headstrong, to The Little Mermaid changing around some lyrics. In terms of this title, I, like many fans, didn't see a reason for Lilo & Stitch to get this treatment. While I still stand by that on some fronts, the filmmakers do find a good reason for this movie to exist when it comes to strengthening the storyline between Lilo and her older sister, Nani. Sydney Agudong fits right into her role as Nani, who is faced with parenting her following their mom and dad's untimely death, all while going to school, holding a job and being a teenager. The movie adds a new social worker character, played by Nani's original voice actress, Tia Carrere, that helps ground the movie further. Courtney B. Vance's Cobra Bubbles role feels like it isn't as prominent as in the original, but much like the rest of the movie, the actor has a more human approach than Ving Rhames' cartoony origins as the undercover CIA agent. Most of Lilo & Stitch very much aims to pay tribute to favorite scenes, with tons of quotable lines and moments being recreated in a new medium. Oftentimes, it can feel like the movie is rushing through the original's 'greatest hits' and just needs to sit in the moment a bit more and allow for the audience to enjoy the Hawaiian views. But, the filmmakers do also take some creative liberties in order to better work for the live-action medium. The results are mixed, but overall intriguing to see play out. For example, Jumba and Pleakley, the two aliens who are hired by the United Galactic Federation to retrieve Stitch from Earth, spend a lot less time in alien form and disguise themselves as humans while in Hawaii for obvious reasons. Honestly, these two aliens are kind of terrifying in live-action, so I get it. Zach Galifinakis and Billy Magnussen serviceably embody the roles, but it does feel like some goofiness from the animated form is lost this time around. Pleakley specifically feels the most underutilized whilst Jumba is given a larger, but somehow flat role that expands into the third act. There's definitely something refreshing about some of the turns the movie takes later in the film given most of it draws heavily from the original. The new Lilo & Stitch best changes only highlight the central message of 'Ohana' throughout, and that makes it worth the ride. As far as Disney remakes go, especially for a movie as good and well-loved as Lilo & Stitch, Dean Fleischer Camp's movie tows a decent line of being a faithful remake and reintroducing a new generation and nostalgic longtime fans. It reminded me why I've loved the 2002 modern classic since I was a kid, and through many phases of my life, and also offered a new perspective to the story I wouldn't have gotten otherwise if it hadn't been made.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lilo & Stitch Producer Explained To Me Why One Specific Character Was Added, And I Need To Talk About How Much I Love It
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Live-action Disney movie remakes allow filmmakers to reintroduce beloved aspects of the film they're reimagining. However, they're also presented with an opportunity to perhaps improve on the source material. That's no different when it comes to the new Lilo & Stitch movie. When CinemaBlend spoke to the filmmakers, not only did they discuss the major character that was taken out, they also shed light on a new face that I absolutely love. The character I really need to discuss is Tutu, who's played by Amy Hill. In the film, Tutu is a neighbor of Nani and Lilo's, who's around throughout the story and ultimately offers to take in Lilo while Nani goes off to college in San Diego to study marine biology. In regard to the decision to add the character, producer Jonathan Eirich told CinemaBlend the following: Most of it honestly came from our Hawaiian screenwriter, Chris Bright, and just trying to bring authenticity to the story in every way we could. And something he said early on, he was like, 'I don't think in Hawai'i, if these two sisters had just lost their parents, I don't think they would be as isolated.' [Knowing] the community of Hawaii there would be support for them.' So, we sort of had this notion of this neighbor character, Tutu, that is actually there for them earlier in the story. I'm so happy to hear Hawaiian writer Chris Kekaniokalani Bright had the chance to help craft this iteration of Lilo & Stitch, because small details like this are so important for representation. The original movie had a lot of support from Hawaiian people, including Nani voice actor Tia Carerre, who suggested the hammock scene in the animated movie. However, having someone with writing credits is such a step up. And, as Eirich shared, Bright thought it was important to have Tutu added in order to better depict how Ohana means a lot more than those you share blood with in Hawaii. As Eirich continued: And the character issue for Nani really becomes, is she too stubborn? Does she wanna prove she can do everything on her own? She can replace their mother, she can take on this responsibility. And, she has to learn to just accept help and sort of accept this wider Ohana. And so, it is a little bit of a character change for Nani, but it actually came out of our screenwriter just saying, 'I think this is a little bit more true to what Hawaii and the sense of community is really like.' It's such a beautiful change to Lilo & Stitch's story. Of course, Tutu is not the only new character in the film, either. Tia Carrere was also given a new character, a social worker named Mrs. Kekoa. She helps ground the storyline involving Nani trying to remain a guardian to Lilo. With that, Courtney B. Vance's Cobra Bubbles attends to the alien matters. As someone who shares the opinion that Disney remakes are getting kind of old, I really appreciate Lilo & Stitch. It's the inclusion of Amy Hill's Tutu that really makes me smile, though. On the one hand, it's fitting that Hill has a role in the live-action remake, because she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the animated film. On top of that, though, Tutu's inclusion deepens the Hawaiian representation of the whole story. Disney+: from $9.99 a month w/ ad-supported planStream the original Lilo & Stitch film and other entries in the franchise now using a Disney+ subscription. Grab the ad-supported plan, which starts at $9.99 a month, or go ad-free for a monthly $15.99 charge. Or save 16% by pre-paying $159.99 for a Deal Tutu's existence also has a positive impact on Nani's arc. During my viewing, I liked seeing Nani accept help and follow her dreams of continuing her education, as a girl her age should be able to do. Simultaneously, this conveys the notion that Ohana can extend beyond bloodlines. On top of everything else, Hill is absolutely hilarious in every scene she's in. Creating a new character can be tricky, and it's been hit or miss as far as the live-action Disney remakes are concerned. It definitely works here, though, and I'm hopeful that this won't be the last time fans see Tutu in some form. You can check out more of CinemaBlend's Lilo & Stitch review to get a better sense of my thoughts, and be on the lookout for more exclusive content. And, of course, be sure to check out the film in theaters now!
India.com
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Trailer Of Lilo & Stitch Out Now! Chaos, Heart, And Adventure Hit Cinemas Nationwide From May 23
New Delhi: Disney's beloved blue alien is heading to the big screen! The trailer for the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch is out now, dropping across multiple languages ahead of its nationwide theatrical release. This reimagining of the animated classic brings the heartwarming and hilarious story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her mischievous alien companion to life. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, the film is penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, with a breakout performance by newcomer Maia Kealoha. Produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher as executive producers, Lilo & Stitch promises a mix of laughter, emotion, and intergalactic mayhem. The live-action Lilo & Stitch hits Indian theatres on May 23, 2025, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Hits Indian Theatres May 23
Walt Disney Studios' live-action remake of the cult classic "Lilo & Stitch" is set to premiere across India on May 23, 2025. The theatrical release will be available in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The film reinterprets the 2002 animated feature and follows the unlikely friendship between a young Hawaiian girl and a genetically engineered alien. This new version is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. The cast includes Sydney Elizebeth Agudong in the lead, along with Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, and introduces Maia Kealoha in a central role. Production credits list Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin as producers, with executive production handled by Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher. Localized trailers for the Telugu and Tamil-speaking audiences have been released in the run-up to the theatrical debut. The Telugu trailer can be viewed at: and the Tamil version is available at: The upcoming release is part of Disney's ongoing strategy to adapt its animated catalog for live-action audiences, aiming to connect with new viewers while resonating with long-time fans across regional markets. The film arrives in Indian cinemas this Friday.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
'Lilo & Stitch' trailer releases ahead of May 23
The galaxy's most lovable troublemaker is crash-landing into theatres this summer! Disney's highly awaited Lilo & Stitch live-action adventure is set to bring laughter, heart, and a whole lot of chaos to the big screen. Brand-new trailers have just dropped—now available in multiple languages! From the heart of Hawaii comes a tale of unexpected friendship between a spirited young girl and a rogue alien unlike any other. Lilo & Stitch is a hilarious and heartwarming ride directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. Starring Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha, the film promises to capture the magic of the original with a fresh new twist. Produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, with executive producers Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher. Lilo & Stitch—a wild, warm-hearted adventure for the whole family—releasing in Indian cinemas on May 23, 2025, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Watch the trailers here: Hindi: Tamil: Telugu:
