Naturally, some fans are nervous (including me!). The original Lilo & Stitch is a beloved Disney classic. And let’s be honest, Disney doesn't exactly have the strongest track record when it comes to translating animated films into live-action. Their latest, which is Snow White, was received pretty badly.
From the moment I saw the news about this remake, it felt unnecessary. In fact, I feel like most of Disney’s live-action remakes are unnecessary. There’s rarely a compelling reason to retell the same story, especially when the original is already outstanding, if not perfect.
For those unfamiliar, Lilo & Stitch tells the story of a spirited Hawaiian girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha). After the tragic loss of their parents, her older sister Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong) steps up to raise her, even though she's barely an adult herself.
Nani juggles the pressures of work and caring for Lilo, all while under the watchful eye of child welfare services. If she fails to keep up with her responsibilities, she risks losing custody of her little sister.
Lilo eventually adopts a strange blue "dog" from an animal shelter; she names him Stitch. Stitch (or Experiment 626) is an alien creature genetically engineered for destruction. He has escaped from a galactic prison and landed on Earth, prompting the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) to order his immediate capture. To retrieve Stitch, she sends down Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), the evil genius who created him, along with Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), an expert on Earth.
Naturally, things spiral into chaos because of Stitch. But despite it, Lilo refuses to let Stitch go. To her, he’s Ohana. And Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.
Now, this live-action version does make a few changes that set it apart from the animated film.
The first change lies in its interpretation of Ohana. In the original, Ohana basically meant sticking together through tough times. But in the remake, it takes a more grounded approach, suggesting that sometimes, Ohana also means letting go or walking separate paths in order to grow. While it’s a thoughtful revision, it’s also a challenging concept to communicate clearly to younger audiences. And unfortunately, at least for me, the film doesn’t quite manage to explain it in a way that lands emotionally.
Second, the focus of the story leans more heavily toward Nani. The emotional core becomes her struggle to hold everything together like her job, her relationship with Lilo, and her role as a young guardian. This angle gives Nani more depth, something the original only briefly explored. However, this shift also sidelines Stitch’s own journey of self-discovery and finding a home. So key moments like Stitch running away with the Ugly Duckling book, symbolizing his longing for belonging, are missing. That’s a big loss. Stitch’s arc of finding his own family was what gave the original its emotional pull.
Furthermore, some bold choices in this version may not sit well with fans. For instance, this version recasts Jumba as a villain. Cobra Bubbles, one of the most unique and memorable characters in the original, plays a much smaller role. And David is more of a comic relief. These changes strip the film of some of its original charm and personality.
Still, the remake isn’t without its strengths. One welcome addition is the character of Tūtū, a warm, quick-witted elder who brings both humor and wisdom to the Pelekai sisters. She adds a new dynamic that feels natural and heartwarming.
The casting also deserves praise. Maia Kealoha and Sydney Elizabeth Agudong are excellent as Lilo and Nani. They truly embody their characters and bring an authenticity that honors the original. And of course, Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch! Sanders is unrivaled. No other actor could voice Stitch than Sanders.
So, which version is better? That’s hardly a debate. The animated film wins, hands down. Nothing can replicate the beautiful watercolor backgrounds, the straightforward emotional storytelling, or the perfectly cast voice actors.
This live-action version can stay, though. I don't really hate it. Even if it has a lot of misses, you can still feel that its heart is in the right place. It’s the same story, mostly, with a few creative changes. But those decisions, as odd as they are, do give it a slightly fresher perspective.
3/5
