Disney’s relentless campaign to remake its animated classics continues in 2025 with Lilo & Stitch, a live-action reimagining of the beloved 2002 film. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for his heartfelt Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, this new take promises to blend nostalgia with fresh energy for a new generation.
But does it succeed in recapturing the original’s magic, or is it just another unnecessary rehash? Here’s a detailed look at what works, what doesn’t, and whether this new Lilo & Stitch is worth your time.
A Faithful, Heartfelt Core
At its best, the 2025 Lilo & Stitch shines in the same places as the original: the relationship between Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong), and the chaotic, ultimately loving bond they form with Stitch (voiced once again by Chris Sanders).
The film amplifies Nani’s role, giving her more depth and agency, including a subplot about her aspirations to study marine biology. This shift grounds the story in reality and adds emotional heft, transforming Nani from a stressed guardian into a true co-lead. Kealoha’s Lilo is mischievous, quirky, and deeply relatable, while Agudong’s Nani brings warmth and complexity to the sisterly dynamic.
The core message of “ohana”—family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten—remains front and center. The script leans into empathy and emotional depth, ensuring the film retains the heart that made the original so beloved. For many critics and audiences, this is where the remake truly succeeds.
Visuals and CGI: A Mixed Bag
One of the most anticipated aspects of any Disney live-action remake is how the animated characters will translate to the real world. Here, Lilo & Stitch fares better than some of its predecessors.
The visual effects are “surprisingly strong,” with Stitch rendered as a huggable, mischievous blue alien who fits into the Hawaiian setting better than expected. Chris Sanders’ return as the voice of Stitch is a welcome touch, maintaining continuity and charm.
However, not everything is perfect. While Stitch’s CGI is technically impressive, some viewers find his design a bit too “plasticky” or plush-like, lacking the organic feel of the animated version. The film’s color palette is more muted and grounded, which helps with realism but loses some of the original’s watercolor vibrancy and artistic flair.
Hawaiian landscapes are still beautiful, but the cinematography often feels functional rather than inspired, more akin to a Disney Channel production than a cinematic event.
Character Changes and New Faces
The remake makes a few notable changes to its supporting cast. Jumba and Pleakley, the bumbling alien duo tasked with capturing Stitch, now spend most of the film in human disguises. Zach Galifianakis (Jumba) and Billy Magnussen (Pleakley) bring energy and goofiness, but the live-action format makes their antics less convincing and their humor more hit-or-miss. Pleakley’s cross-dressing, a quirky hallmark of the original, is replaced with holographic disguises—a decision that has sparked debate among fans.
Cobra Bubbles, the imposing social worker, is split into two characters: Courtney B. Vance plays Bubbles as a CIA agent investigating alien sightings, while Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani) returns as Mrs. Kekoa, the official overseeing Nani’s guardianship. This change, while interesting, leaves Bubbles feeling somewhat extraneous and underused.
Pacing, Tone, and Emotional Resonance
The 2025 remake adopts a frenetic pace, echoing the energy of the original but achieving it through rapid editing rather than organic chaos. While this keeps things lively, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or disjointed, especially for adult viewers. The film’s tone is more grounded and sincere, which works for the family drama but dampens some of the original’s wild unpredictability and offbeat humor.
Critics are divided on whether the remake captures the emotional resonance of the original. The chemistry between Lilo and Stitch is strong, and the film’s focus on empathy and community is commendable. However, some reviewers feel that the remake, while heartfelt, lacks the unique soul and charm that made the 2002 film a classic. The result is a movie that’s sweet and enjoyable, but not as memorable or magical as its predecessor.
Final Verdict
Lilo & Stitch (2025) stands out as one of Disney’s more successful live-action remakes, thanks to its grounded performances, strong visual effects, and commitment to the story’s emotional core. It’s a lively, family-friendly adventure that will entertain kids and offer enough nostalgia for longtime fans. However, it falls short of the original’s artistry and spirit, sometimes feeling more like a product than a passion project.
If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—but you may also be reminded of why the animated Lilo & Stitch remains irreplaceable. For newcomers, this is a sweet, heartfelt introduction to one of Disney’s most unique stories.
Rating: Flawed but fun, and a worthy—if not essential—addition to Disney’s live-action lineup.
