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Lilo & Stitch 2025: A Heartwarming Remake with Aloha Spirit, Quick Guide

By Ryan Cooper Published on Thu, May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025— Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch is now playing in theaters all over the world! This live-action/CGI hybrid is a new take on the animation classic from 2002. It tells the touching story of a Hawaiian child and her naughty alien buddy, with the idea of ohana (family). Dean Fleischer Camp, who was nominated for an Oscar for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, directed the movie. It mixes old and new elements in a way that makes it great for people of all ages. Here's a quick look at the movie's best parts, actors, reception, and cultural impact.

Overview of the movie: Faithful but New

Release date: In theaters throughout the world, including 3D screenings, on May 22, 2025.

Plot: The story is around a six-year-old Hawaiian girl named Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) who becomes friends with Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), an extraterrestrial who is on the run and was made to be a weapon of mass destruction. Lilo's sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong) is also a co-lead as they deal with their bereavement and think about what family means.

Remake Highlights: It stays close to the original, adds sci-fi aspects like a ray pistol that can open portals, and takes out the villain Gantu to focus on Lilo and Stitch's relationship.

Director & Writers: Dean Fleischer Camp directed the movie, and Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes wrote it.

Cast: Rising Stars and Familiar Faces

Main Cast:

Maia Kealoha (Lilo): Newcomer delivers a vibrant, authentic performance, praised as “captivating.”

Sydney Elizebeth Agudong (Nani): Shines as the resilient sister, with their bond likened to a “Hawaiian Lady Bird.”

Chris Sanders (Stitch, voice): Original creator returns, balancing chaos and heart despite grueling recording sessions.

Supporting Cast:

Zach Galifianakis (Dr. Jumba Jookiba), Billy Magnussen (Agent Pleakley), Courtney B. Vance (Cobra Bubbles), Hannah Waddingham (Grand Councilwoman, voice).

Original cast cameos: Tia Carrere (Mrs. Kekoa), Amy Hill (Tūtū), Jason Scott Lee (luau manager).

Filming Location: Shot in Oahu, Hawaii, showcasing hula and island scenery, despite a fire causing $200,000 in costume damage.

Reception & Box Office: A Family Favorite

Reviews:

72% approval on Rotten Tomatoes (90 critics), hailed as “one of Disney’s better live-action remakes,” though some note it lacks the original’s wild imagination.

Strengths: Maia Kealoha’s authentic performance, deepened sisterly bond.

Criticism: The Guardian calls it overly reliant on the original, with limited fresh spark.

Box Office:

Tops Fandango’s PG-rated film pre-sales for 2025, outpacing A Minecraft Movie, and ranks as Disney’s second-highest remake pre-seller after The Lion King (2019).

Projected to gross $120–165 million domestically over the Memorial Day four-day weekend.

Social media buzz: @Disney and @DiscussingFilm trailers spark fan excitement for Stitch’s CGI and nostalgic vibes.

Merchandise: Theaters offer Stitch popcorn buckets and snap bracelet kits for an immersive experience.

Cultural Impact: The Timeless Power of Ohana

Why It Stands Out:

PG rating maintains the original’s humor-emotion balance, ideal for families.

Emphasizes ohana (family, blood or chosen), delivering a 2025-relevant message of unity and resilience.

Feels like “a real movie by people who love the original” (InBetweenDrafts), avoiding the cynicism of some Disney remakes.

Shortcomings: Some fans miss the original’s hand-drawn magic; new plot points feel slightly clunky.

Hawaiian Roots: Authentic hula, music, and island visuals amplify the aloha spirit.

Conclusion: A Must-See Summer Hit

Lilo & Stitch (2025) recaptures the magic of Lilo and Stitch’s bond with stellar performances, a vibrant soundtrack, and a heartfelt story, standing out among Disney’s live-action remakes. While it may not fully match the 2002 film’s quirky energy, its focus on family resonates deeply. Hit theaters on May 22, bring the family, and feel the aloha warmth from a story that crash-lands from the stars!

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