'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Disney is bringing back the charm of the beloved 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch with a fresh twist in a live-action adaptation set to hit theaters in the summer of 2025. Announced in 2018 by Walt Disney Pictures, the modern rendition is steered by director Dean Fleischer Camp and writer Chris Kekaniokalani Bright.
The upcoming movie is produced by Rideback and Disney and will feature CGI with live performances, with the plan to capture both new and returning fans. After facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other setbacks, anticipation is high.
The story of Lilo & Stitch centers on Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a chaotic alien disguised as a dog. Stitch was created to cause mayhem, but through his bond with Lilo, he begins to change.
Trending
They go through challenges, from nosy social workers and alien hunters, while exploring what family really means. It's a story of friendship, mishaps and finding one’s place in the world set against Hawaii’s culture and landscapes.
Lilo & Stitch production details explored
The production of the live-action Lilo & Stitch started with big news in 2018 when Disney announced plans to bring the beloved animated classic to life. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, the film has had anything but a straightforward joursey from page to screen.
Setbacks included a major fire on set in Hawaii and delays due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and industry strikes, which put a temporary halt to filming. But surmounting these challenges, the crew pushed forward and wrapped up shooting in early 2024.
A look back at the prequels
The original Lilo & Stitch, released in 2002, created a fanbase for itself with its plot of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her alien pet, setting the stage for a series of sequels and a television show.
The first sequel, Stitch! The Movie, was a bridge to the TV series that introduced new alien experiments and expanding the universe created in the original film. Released in 2003, the film was warmly received by fans who were eager for more adventures with Lilo and Stitch, but it was more a setup for further stories than a standalone hit.
In 2005, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch went deep into the emotional layers of the characters, further exploring Stitch’s malfunctioning issues due to his incomplete creation process. The sequel was particularly noted for its heartwarming plot and was well-received for maintaining the charm and warmth of the original film, which resonated well with the audience.
The series also spawned Leroy & Stitch, a 2006 release, which concluded the TV series. The film wrapped up ongoing plots and introduced a new antagonist Leroy who was designed to rival Stitch's abilities.
Throughout their run, the sequels and the TV series helped keep the characters alive in the minds of fans and also solidified the franchise’s place in Disney’s animated landscape.
While none of the follow-ups reached the blockbuster status of the original, they were successful in their own right, continuing to draw in viewers with their storytelling and fan-favorite characters.
Cast members of the upcoming live-action
The live-action Lilo & Stitch film features a mix of newcomers and seasoned actors, creating a cast that promises to bring the beloved characters to life. Maia Kealoha is set to star as Lilo, who brings a youthful energy and Hawaiian authenticity to the central role of the imaginative and spirited young girl.
Chris Sanders, who was the original voice behind the mischievous alien Stitch, returns making sure that the heart of Stitch’s character remains true to the animated classic.
Joining them is Zach Galifianakis, who lends his voice to the eccentric Dr. Jumba, who is the creator of Stitch. His comedic timing is expected to add a lively dimension to the mad scientist. Billy Magnussen voices Agent Pleakley, who is the well-meaning but often clueless intergalactic agent, providing a dose of humor and clumsiness.
Sydney Agudong steps into the role of Nani, Lilo’s older sister, who balances the responsibilities of guardianship with the challenges of young adulthood. The cast also features Tia Carrere and Amy Hill, both of whom are familiar voices from the original series, returning in new roles.
Lilo & Stitch live-action is slated for release in summer 2025.
