The 2002 animated Lilo and Stitch has been a prominent part of my life.
The original Disney story has a lot of important morals, depth and heart, and remains to this day as one of my Disney favourites. Despite this, I did not expect the beloved animated feature to receive the live action treatment and admittedly was a little hesitant about the 2025 remake. Thankfully, my nerves were all for naught.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp with its screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, based on the 2002 animated original by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, 2025’s Lilo and Stitch is, at present, arguably the best live action remake that Disney has ever done, hands down.
Set in Hawaii, the story follows sisters Lilo Pelekai and Nani Pelekai, played respectfully by Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong. The pair are trying to survive in their new roles, with young Nani suddenly becoming both a sister and guardian to Lilo, while a troubled Lilo feels unstable and lonely, wishing for a friend.
At the same time, runaway alien Experiment 626 later known as Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders) has landed in Hawaii and is looking for a place to hide from the United Galactic Federation, with his creator and mad scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), plus ‘Earth expert’ Agent Wendell Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) hot on his trail. David is also present, played by Kaipo Dudoit as Nani’s cute and awkward co-worker and neighbour, alongside Amy Hill (originally the voice in the animated franchise as Mrs. Hasagawa), who plays David’s attentive, sweet and caring grandmother, Tūtū.
The live action version is true and respectful to its original source, making subtle but smart changes for the beautiful tale to be more up-to-date and realistic, considering Lilo and Nani’s sticky family situation, as well as the aliens choosing to chase after Stitch with understandably more human-formed disguises.
For the uninitiated, this fresh remake of Lilo and Stitch will be easy and exciting to follow. However, long-time fans of the original animation have been gifted with plenty of loving little respectful nods and Easter eggs that will be fun to pick up on, including the music of Elvis Presley, and the original voice actors of Nani and David making notable appearances; Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, the social worker, and Jason Scott Lee as the manager for the Lū’au.
Perhaps it’s because I’m an adult now, but you don’t realise how young Nani actually is until you set your eyes upon her live action counterpart, played fantastically by Sydney Agudong. You really understand Nani’s struggles and the imbalance that the Pelekai family currently have without their parents. Agudong also has a gorgeous singing voice and natural chemistry with the superb Maia Kealoha, who is the perfect Lilo.
Kealoha’s Lilo is delightful, super cute and feisty, plus she can surf, does the hula, and shines on the silver screen. This little actress was born to be a star. Her screentime with Stitch cement the pair as the ultimate iconic cinematic duo that fans have loved for 23 years and counting, with believable chemistry and moving moments that will light up even the coldest and darkest corners of your heart.
And then there’s Stitch. Visually impressive and still super fluffy and cute after all these years in his own special way, with excellent voice acting by Chris Sanders (writer, director and voice actor from the original film and animated series), the beloved blue character reappearing on the big screen after all this time has brought back many emotions, fond memories, all while tugging at our heartstrings and igniting new ones.
Even the way that this new film has been campaigned for is true to how the original film was promoted all those years ago, with Stitch wrecking through existing Disney films, showcasing our favourite small blue fluffy alien to be the epitome of big trouble for such a small stature with undeniable cuteness.
Not to mention, the remake was filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii and seeing the gorgeous backdrop to this heartfelt tale made me fondly recall of my own memories visiting the beautiful island back in 2017, falling in love with the people, the food and culture, and inspiring me to desire to return. After seeing this film, hopefully one day I will, and sooner than later.
Nostalgia is a big deal in cinema these days, but 2025’s Lilo and Stitch isn’t just built on nostalgia alone. It’s a mighty pleasing and satisfying adaptation that’s worth every bit of the hype, centred around love and family, and is successfully delivered with great heart and thoughtful sincerity. Definitely a welcoming cinematic treat for old and new fans alike. After all, who can resist the adorable Stitch?
Lilo and Stitch (2025) is in cinemas from May 22.