Lilo and Stitch is Back—Here’s What We Think

Lilo and Stitch is a Hollywood movie that charmingly merges science fiction and comedy in a way that feels both vibrant and oddly familiar. This new release is a live adaptation of the iconic 2002 animated film Lilo and Stitch, a childhood favourite for many, and I am not excluded.

The 2025 version is currently premiering in cinemas across the globe on May 23rd, 2025. It was brought to life through a collaboration between Walt Disney and Industrial Light and Magic. Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, the screenplay was co-written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes.

The heart of Lilo and Stitch has always been its message of Ohana, a Hawaiian word for family, and this remake preserves that spirit. With a cast led by Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Chris Sanders, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, and Courtney B Vance, the live-action brings its own warmth and personality to a beloved story.

Premise

Somewhere on a distant planet, a four-eyed scientist named Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) invents a powerful creature, Experiment 626, engineered solely to destroy. The planet’s leader (Hannah Waddingham) demands its immediate termination, but 626 is too cunning and too wild. He chaotically escapes with ease and bolts for Earth.

Initially, the leader expects him to crash into the ocean due to his aversion to water, but everything changes when she realises he is heading toward a small island. She decides to obliterate Earth altogether but is interrupted by Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), who insists Earth must not be destroyed because it is home to an endangered species—mosquitoes.

Instead of destruction, the leader assigns Jumba and Earth expert Pleakley to retrieve 626. Upon landing on Earth, they disguise themselves as humans, mimicking the appearances of Galifianakis and Magnussen.
Meanwhile, 626 is already stirring chaos.

He ends up in a dog pound, escapes from his cage, but soon realises he must blend in and familiarise himself with his new environment, and when he spots a poster about dog adoption, he disguises himself. He retracts his extra limbs, hides his spikes and antennae, and tries to pass as a dog.

On the island, six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is grieving her parents, struggling to fit in, and being picked on by girls from her hula class. The night 626 crashes, Lilo makes a wish on what she believes is a shooting star, longing for a friend who will never leave her.

The next day, she convinces her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) to take her to the pound, where she immediately bonds with 626. She names him Stitch and takes him home.
Nani, who must juggle dreams and responsibilities, is trying to keep her little sister safe while managing job interviews and social scrutiny.

After a loud outburst between her and Lilo, the social worker, Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) gives her a deadline to find a job or risk losing custody. But every opportunity Nani gets, Lilo and Stitch somehow manage to turn things upside down.

As their lives get more tangled, the disguised aliens close in on Stitch. Pleakley tries to keep the mission professional, but Jumba has darker intentions and is prepared to do whatever it takes to bring Stitch back—even if it means destroying Lilo.

Cast Performance

Maia Kealoha as Lilo

Little Maia brought something so refreshingly raw to the screen. Just seven years old and Hawaiian by origin, she embodied Lilo’s eccentricity and inner chaos with heart. Her hula background gave her scenes a beautiful layer of authenticity.

In comparison to the animated version, Maia’s Lilo felt less sharp and slightly toned down in terms of wild energy. The animated Lilo had more attitude and seemed just as destructive as Stitch. That element was softer here.

Sydney Agudong as Nani

She may not have matched the original Nani’s physical presence, who had a more defined, darker look, but her performance had emotional clarity. She captured the complicated reality of being a big sister who had to sacrifice her dreams just to hold the family together. Watching her navigate interviews, juggle her emotions, and stay strong for Lilo felt deeply relatable. Sydney gave Nani new depth, especially for older viewers who now understand her struggles in a way we might not have when watching the original.

Zach Galifianakis as Jumba

He was more of a hit for the kids. While his interpretation did not reach the impeccable performance of David Ogden Stiers brought to the original voice, he still managed to make Jumba’s chaos feel digestible. Kids will likely love him, and adults will at least appreciate the effort.

Billy Magnussen as Pleakley

Felt like a perfect casting decision. Pleakley has always been my favourite character from the Lilo and Stitch universe, with his bizarre disguises and irrational fear of germs and violence. Billy nailed the sarcastic delivery, and his expressive performance stayed true to the Pleakley I adored as a child.

What I Liked About Lilo And Stitch

There was something special about how the film evolved over time. Initially, it felt scattered, but then things began to fall into place. The pacing shifted and the emotional beats landed. The scene where Nani dives underwater to save Stitch? That was a standout moment. It held weight and moved the story forward with power.

I appreciated the introduction of new characters. Instead of the retired CIA agent Cobra Bubbles as the social worker, we got Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker who added a realistic layer to the narrative. It made sense, given today’s context. I also liked that David (Kaipo Dudoit) had a grandmother in this version, a character who ended up becoming instrumental to the family theme.

Another detail that stood out was how closely Hannah Waddingham’s voice matched that of the original Grand Councilwoman voiced by Zoe Caldwell. At times, it was almost impossible to tell the difference. That familiarity added a lovely nostalgic touch.

What I Didn’t Like About Lilo And Stitch

As someone who grew up watching Lilo and Stitch, I expected more from this live adaptation. It leaned a little too heavily on the original storyline. A live-action version provides an opportunity to explore new directions or add refreshing details, but this one didn’t take full advantage of that.

The first hour was painfully slow. I found myself waiting for something—anything—to happen. Maybe my expectations were too high, but the slow buildup made me feel disconnected.

Cobra Bubbles’ character was changed entirely, and not for the better. Instead of being an undercover agent with a heart, he was reduced to someone who caused problems just to serve a mission we never even understood. He felt unnecessary and became more of a nuisance than a compelling part of the story. That change felt like a disservice to the original intent of his character.

Verdict

Lilo and Stitch (2025) is a sweet live adaptation that children will likely enjoy, especially those who are meeting Stitch for the very first time. For those of us who grew up with the original, this may not deliver the nostalgia punch we hoped for, but it holds up as a family-friendly film.

It felt like the producers tailored it entirely for the kids, leaving those of us from the early 2000s to simply observe rather than relive. Even with its slow pacing and safe storytelling, it still manages to shine in moments.

Whether it’s a weekend with family or a way to keep the kids occupied, this movie delivers comfort and gentle laughter. And of course, the lesson that Ohana means family and family never gets left behind is still the beating heart of it all.