Disney’s live-action remakes have often sparked controversy — whether due to drastic creative changes or questionable casting decisions. Surprisingly, Lilo & Stitch (2025) manages to sidestep most of the noise, and for good reason: it respects the beloved 2002 original, maintaining its core themes and character identities while making subtle but meaningful updates that enhance the story even further.
Set in modern-day Hawai’i, the film follows Lilo (Maia Kealoha), an imaginative and misunderstood young girl dealing with grief, social alienation, and the challenges of living under the care of her older sister Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong) after the loss of their parents. When a mysterious alien fugitive (voiced by Chris Sanders) crash-lands on Earth and is mistaken for a dog, Lilo adopts him and names him Stitch. Their unlikely bond becomes the heart of a story that explores the meaning of family, loss, and acceptance.
What sets this remake apart from many of Disney’s previous attempts is its respectful fidelity to the source material. The filmmakers resist the temptation to modernize or recontextualize the characters in ways that feel forced. Instead, they double down on authenticity, particularly in the film’s cultural setting and casting choice. The two leads Maia Kealoha and Sydney Elizabeth Agudong are perfectly cast, capturing the essence of their animated counterparts while adding a grounded emotional realism to their performances. The film’s most noticeable improvements come in its emotional beats. While the original was already touching, this remake manages to dig deeper. Certain key scenes — especially the “A Hui Hou” scene — are beautifully and emotionally realized and likely to resonate strongly with viewers. There’s a more natural flow to the family dynamics, and the narrative feels more cohesive and believable in its live-action form, especially in the film’s climactic moments. Plus, a live-action Stitch is even more adorable this time around.
That said, long-time fans may still lean toward the animated version for nostalgia alone. But the 2025 adaptation proves that remakes don’t need to reinvent everything — sometimes, honoring what worked and refining the rest is more than enough justification for a remake such as Lilo & Stitch to exist.
Lilo & Stitch (2025) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Remake That Honors the Original
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