‘Lilo and Stitch’ is fun Disney remake, but not without controversial changes

CEBU, Philippines — Remaking a beloved, highly stylized Disney classic about a Hawaiian girl and her pet alien is no easy feat. But as long as the film captures the humor and embraces the out-of-this-world concept within the realism of live action, it could be one of the better Disney remakes, though not without its flaws.

“Lilo and Stitch” follows the familiar beats of its 2002 animated predecessor. Experiment 626 (voiced once again by his original creator, Chris Sanders) is exiled for being a potential threat to the galaxy.

He evades his sentence and escapes to Earth, prompting the United Galactic Federation to offer freedom to his creator, Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), if he retrieves his rogue experiment, under the watch of quirky Earth enthusiast Pleakley (Billy Magnussen).

Crash-landing in Hawaii, 626 is adopted by a local girl named Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha), who renames him Stitch. Her older sister and legal guardian, Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong), reluctantly allows Stitch into their already unstable home, as she struggles to keep custody of Lilo amid increasing pressure from social services.

Stitch’s presence triggers suspicion from CIA agent Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance), while Jumba and Pleakley begin a chaotic chase to recapture the alien fugitive.

The live-action remake makes a few key changes, some of which stirred controversy among longtime fans.

Notably absent is Captain Gantu, the original film’s primary antagonist. In his place, Jumba takes on a darker, more villainous role, stripping away much of the charm that made him a fan favorite. Galifianakis’ comedic talents feel underused in this colder interpretation, making Jumba’s character arc a missed opportunity for redemption.

Another head-scratching change involves Nani’s struggle to keep custody of Lilo. In the original film, Nani fought tooth and nail to stay with her sister. In the remake, however, there are moments where she comes close to giving up. This added layer of realism has divided fans, with some acknowledging the complicated realities of the U.S. foster care system, especially in Hawaii.

Others see some of these changes as a betrayal of the film’s core message of ohana, the idea that means that everyone is family and no one gets left behind.

These changes somewhat undermine the themes the story tries to uphold. Jumba’s lack of redemption and Nani’s wavering commitment clash with the emotional backbone of the original.

However, the remake succeeds in other areas. It doubles down on the animated film’s chaotic humor that many audiences can enjoy. Much of it thanks to Sanders’ return as the voice of Stitch, as his performance retains the manic energy that helped make Stitch one of Disney’s most beloved mascots.

Visually, the film impresses. The alien characters blend well with the real-world Hawaiian setting, and the CGI avoids the jarring, artificial look that plagues other live-action/CGI hybrids.

Some questions arise whether a “Lilo and Stitch” remake was necessary. From a financial standpoint, the answer leans towards yes.

As of writing, the film is nearing $500 million at the box office, reviving interest in a franchise that had been dormant since 2006. Reintroducing Stitch to new audiences –

especially kids, nostalgic millennials and Gen Z – might just be enough to justify the rehash.

While fans may be disappointed by some of the creative liberties taken, the remake still manages to be an enjoyable ride on the big screen. The 2025 version of “Lilo and Stitch” is a film best watched with family or friends who grew up with the original – a reminder of why Stitch continues to endure as one of Disney’s most endearing misfits. Three stars out of five. — (FREEMAN)