Disney fans, mark your calendars for May 23, 2025, as the beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch gets a live-action remake! The highly anticipated adaptation of the 2002 favorite will bring the heartwarming tale of “ohana” and extraterrestrial mischief back to the big screen, 23 years after the original film captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
The live-action Lilo & Stitch was one of the highlights at this year’s D23 Expo, where fans got their first look at the adorable CGI Stitch. Newcomer Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, the spirited young girl from Hawaii who befriends Stitch, a genetically engineered alien with a penchant for chaos. Sydney Agudong joins her as Lilo’s older sister, Nani, with Lilo & Stitch co-director Chris Sanders reprising his iconic voice role as Stitch. The cast also includes Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Courtney B. Vance, and Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original animated film.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the remake promises to stay true to the heart of the original, which centered around the bond between Lilo, Nani, and their newfound blue companion. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii, the film explores themes of family, friendship, and acceptance — with plenty of Stitch’s signature antics thrown in for good measure.
Fans of the original movie can expect a blend of nostalgia and new surprises, as Disney reintroduces one of its most beloved stories for a new generation. Be sure to catch Lilo & Stitch in theaters next summer for a heartwarming adventure that reminds us all of the power of family, or as Lilo would say, “ohana.”
