Summary
- Disney’s live-action remake of
Lilo & Stitch
has big shoes to fill, with a strong cast and promises of heartwarming storytelling. - The talented voice cast includes Chris Sanders, who reprises his role as Stitch, and Maia Kealoha as Lilo for an authentic portrayal.
- Fans eagerly anticipate the official design of Stitch in the live-action adaptation, teased by D23’s recent reveal.
In recent years, the lovable, genetically engineered alien Experiment 626, better known to the world as Stitch, has become a huge moneymaker for Disney – even more now than when the animated movie Lilo & Stitch was released back in 2002. With a live-action remake currently filming, the popularity of the fuzzy blue-and-purple character will be a huge part of the movie’s success, and those awaiting the first look at Stitch can now get one, up close and personal. Disney revealed their CGI stitch for the live-action movie on Friday at D23; check it out below.
Helmed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the live-action remake, penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and inspired by the original script by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, aims to recapture the heartwarming tale of the bond between a young girl and her alien companion. Although Lilo & Stitch was not Disney’s biggest hit, the film did end 2002 as the second highest-grossing animated movie of the year behind Ice Age, and gained a number of movie and TV spin-offs over the years. The live-action remake of the original movie is the latest addition to the legacy of the franchise.
Lilo & Stich Has Assembled a Strong Cast
In a casting choice that honors the film’s cultural roots, Maia Kealoha, a Native Hawaiian child, steps into the role of Lilo in what marks her acting debut, promising a fresh and authentic portrayal of the character. The film also sees the return of Chris Sanders, the original co-director and voice of Stitch from the 2002 animated film, lending his voice once more to the mischievous alien. The cast is further bolstered by the talents of Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba and Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, with additional roles filled by Sydney Agudong (Nani Pelekai), Kaipo Dudoit (David Kawena), the animated movie’s Tia Carrere (Mrs. Kekoa), Courtney B. Vance (Cobra Bubbles), and Amy Hill (Tūtū).
Related
Priscilla Star Jacob Elordi Admits He Only Knew About Elvis Thanks to Lilo & Stitch
Jacob Elordi, who stars as Elvis Presley in Priscilla, learned everything he knew about the music icon from the Disney film Lilo & Stitch.
As part of Disney’s ongoing effort to reimagine/cash-in on its animated classics, Lilo & Stitch joins the ranks of recent live-action adaptations including Lady and the Tramp, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. Others coming soon on the Disney slate are Snow White and Moana, which join many currently in development. While the live-action Lilo & Stitch has yet to announce a release date, fans of the little blue alien and his Hawaiian companion are eager to know more and see more about the movie. For now, though, a brief glimpse of Stitch is going to have to make do.
The animated adventures of
Lilo & Stitch
, including the 2002 movie, can be found on Disney+. The live-action film will be released during the summer of 2025, with some speculating May 23 as the release date.
