Disney’s tradition of transforming animated classics into live-action continues with the announcement of a live-action remake for ‘Lilo and Stitch.’ While fans eagerly anticipate a fresh take on the beloved classic, the initial casting choices have stirred controversy. The original animated film, released in 2002, was a commercial success, grossing $273 million and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
What Is the Plot of Lilo & Stitch?
The details of the new Lilo & Stitch plot haven’t been officially revealed yet, but it’s expected to closely follow the storyline of the original film. For those unfamiliar with the original, here’s a brief summary without spoilers.
In the original 2002 movie, the tale kicks off far from Earth, where a quirky mad scientist named Dr. Jumba (David Ogden Stiers) faces trial. Jumba stands accused by the Galactic Federation of violating a significant law—creating an intelligent life form with the intention of causing widespread destruction. Despite his protestations of innocence, the court quickly introduces the life form in question, a repulsive, ill-tempered, and rather rude creature known as Experiment 626. The Grand Councilwoman (Zoe Caldwell) swiftly sentences Experiment 626 to permanent exile, but executing this proves more challenging than anticipated.
Experiment 626 manages to escape, seizing control of a spacecraft and crash-landing on the distant Hawaiian Island of Kauai. It’s here that we encounter our second main character, Lilo Pelekai (Daviegh Chase) – an imaginative but troubled young girl who struggles to make friends. Lilo is presently under the care of her older sister, Nani (Tia Carrere), and both of them are grappling with maintaining their relationship and lives after the unexpected loss of their parents.
Shortly after Experiment 626 crashes onto the island, he gets accidentally hit by a truck and ends up at a nearby animal shelter. Nani, believing it would be beneficial for Lilo to have a pet she can care for and connect with, decides to take her to the shelter to adopt a dog. This is how the family encounters 626, and despite Nani’s reservations about the peculiar-looking creature, Lilo forms an immediate connection with the creature she lovingly names Stitch. Now, with a social worker threatening to separate Lilo from her sister and two other aliens sent to capture Stitch. Lilo, Stitch, and Nani strive to keep their family intact for as long as possible.
The Cast of Lilo & Stitch
Maia Kealoha, a newcomer, takes the lead role as Lilo in the ‘Lilo and Stitch’ live-action remake. Sydney Agudong from ‘On My Block’ plays Nani, Lilo’s older sister. Other cast members include Kaipo Dudoit from Magnum P.I. as David Kawena, who is Nani’s romantic interest. Courtney B. Vance, known for ‘Lovecraft Country,’ portrays social worker Cobra Bubbles. Billy Magnussen, who played in ‘Aladdin,’ appears as Pleakley, a former member of the Galactic Federation. Zach Galifianakis from ‘The Hangover’ takes on the role of Jumba, an alien. Additionally, Amy Hill from ’50 First Dates’ plays a new character named Tūtū.
Release date for Lilo and Stitch Live action
Disney has not officially revealed the release date for the live-action Lilo and Stitch movie. However, according to IMDb, the film is expected to be released in 2024. The anticipated release date is either in 2024 or early 2025.
