Lilo & Stitch is one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. It was released in 2002 and spawned several sequels and spin-offs.
The film follows Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts Stitch, an alien experiment created by an evil scientist. Together, they embark on a series of adventures and learn the meaning of family and friendship.
Disney is bringing Lilo & Stitch to life with a live-action remake featuring a mix of new and familiar faces and some original voice actors reprising their roles. Here is everything you need to know about the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.
Plot
In the live-action adaptation of the 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch, a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo adopts a dog-like extraterrestrial called Stitch, an evil doctor’s genetic experiment. Some of the original voice actors from the animated film will return to reprise their parts in the live-action adaptation, along with a cast of new performers.
In the film, audiences will watch Lilo and Stitch navigate through various obstacles, including the alien authorities’ pursuit of Stitch, the social workers’ threat to separate Lilo and her sister Nani, and Hawaii’s unique culture and traditions. The film’s individuality, community, and ohana (family) themes will also be examined.
In 2024 or 2025, Disney+ will likely debut the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Production on the movie started in April 2021 on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
The Cast of Lilo and Stitch remake
The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch will have a diverse and talented cast who will portray the characters from the animated film. Here are some of the cast members and their characters:
- Maia Kealoha as Lilo. She is a newcomer living in Hawaii and making her acting debut with this film. She will play the title role of Lilo, a spirited and imaginative girl who loves Elvis Presley and Hawaiian culture.
- Chris Sanders as Stitch. He is the co-writer and co-director of the original animated film and the voice of Stitch, the mischievous and adorable alien who becomes Lilo’s best friend.
- Sydney Agudong as Nani. She is an actress and singer who has appeared in shows like On My Block and NCIS. She will play Nani, Lilo’s older sister and legal guardian, who struggles to balance her responsibilities and dreams.
- Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles. The talented actor was awarded an Emmy for his exceptional performances in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Lovecraft Country. In his upcoming role, he will play Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent who now works as a social worker and defends Lilo and Stitch against the alien government.
- Billy Magnussen as Pleakley. He is an actor who has appeared in films like Into the Woods, Aladdin, and No Time to Die. He will play Pleakley, a one-eyed alien who works as an expert on Earth and teams up with Jumba to capture Stitch.
- Zach Galifianakis as Jumba He is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in The Hangover trilogy, Between Two Ferns, and Baskets. He will play Jumba, a mad scientist who created Stitch and hundreds of other experiments.
- Kaipot Dudoit as David Kawena. He is a newcomer who lives in Hawaii and is making his acting debut with this film. He will play David Kawena, Nani’s love interest, and Lilo’s friend, who works as a surfer and fire dancer.
- Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa. She is an actress and singer who voiced Nani in the original animated film. She will play Mrs. Kekoa, a new character who is Lilo’s teacher and mentor.
The Production
The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch was announced in 2018, with Mike Van Waes hired to write the script. In 2020, Jon M. Chu was confirmed to direct the film. Chu is known for his work on films like Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights, and Now You See Me 2.
Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback will produce the film. They also produced live-action remakes of Aladdin and The Lion King. Ryan Halprin will serve as executive producer.
The film will be shot in Hawaii, where the story is set. Production is expected to start in late 2021 or early 2022.
The Release Date
The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch does not have a release date yet, but it is expected to premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2024 or 2025. Disney+ is Disney’s streaming service that offers access to its vast library of content, including original movies and shows.
The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch will join other live-action remakes of Disney classics that have been released or are in development for Disney+, such as Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, The Sword in the Stone, Peter Pan & Wendy, Pinocchio, and The Little Mermaid.
