Everything to Know About the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Remake

The beloved Disney classic Lilo & Stitch is making a grand return, but this time in a live-action adaptation that’s sure to capture the hearts of a whole new generation. After years of anticipation, Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is set to invade cinemas on May 23, 2025, promising to bring a fresh twist to the story of a young girl and her mischievous alien friend.

A Long-Awaited Return

Originally released in 2002, Lilo & Stitch quickly became a fan favorite. The story of a young girl who lives with her sister and has trouble fitting in at school, and her unlikely friendship with Stitch, an alien designed for destruction, resonated with audiences for its warmth, humor, and universal themes of family and belonging. Now, Disney is ready to reintroduce this charming story in a live-action form, blending cutting-edge CGI with live-action performances.

Here’s everything we know about the return of the blue alien and his young friend:

The Road to Production

Disney confirmed the live-action remake in October 2018, and while fans eagerly awaited its release, production faced multiple delays. The film was initially set to begin filming in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. After a few more setbacks—including a fire on set and a halt in production due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes—the film finally wrapped production in early 2024. Now, after years of delays, Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch is set to debut in theaters on May 23, 2025.

A Familiar Cast with a New Twist

The remake will introduce some new faces, but fans will be excited to see several original voice actors return in new roles. Chris Sanders, the voice of Stitch and co-creator of the character, will reprise his role as the mischievous blue alien. Meanwhile, Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the animated film, will appear in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa, and Amy Hill will bring a new character, Tūtū, to life.

As for the new generation of cast members, Maia Kealoha will take on the iconic role of Lilo, the spirited young girl, while Sydney Elizabeth Agudong will play her older sister Nani. The role of David Kawena, Lilo’s friend and Nani’s love interest, was originally cast with Kahiau Machado but was recast with Kaipot Dudoit after past social media posts containing racial slurs surfaced.

Rounding out the ensemble, Zach Galifianakis will play Jumba, Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.

Stitch in the Spotlight

While most of the film will feature live-action performances, Stitch, the alien star of the show, will be brought to life using CGI. This decision will help preserve the character’s playful and mischievous nature while blending seamlessly into the live-action world. Other characters like Jumba and Pleakley will be portrayed by live actors, creating a perfect blend of real-life performances and CGI magic.

A Story That Stands the Test of Time

At its core, the live-action Lilo & Stitch will remain faithful to the original film’s heartwarming storyline, focusing on the bond between Lilo, the young girl who lives with her sister and has trouble fitting in at school, and Stitch, the alien experiment designed to destroy. Their unlikely friendship not only brings joy to both characters but also teaches valuable lessons about love, family, and acceptance.

Fans can expect the same emotional moments and humor that made the original film a classic, while the live-action format promises to bring new depth to the story. The stunning Hawaiian backdrop and the timeless themes will undoubtedly resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.

With a talented cast, a beloved storyline, and the magic of live-action and CGI, Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is shaping up to be an exciting cinematic event. As we count down the days until the film’s release on May 23, 2025, it’s clear that the story of this young girl, who lives with her sister and has trouble fitting in at school, and her blue alien friend will continue to capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. Get ready for a nostalgic yet fresh take on a Disney classic—Lilo & Stitch is back, and it’s here to make a splash!