The Disney live-action remakes often attempt to correct the social norms of the period when the animated movie debuted. This is helpful in removing racial stereotyping or sexist clichés. But more often than not, there are other narrative changes that completely remove the heart of what made the original films so special. Lilo & Stitch partly falls victim to that.
Nani (Sydney Agudong) still struggles to pay bills and support her little sister Lilo (Maia Kealoha) after their parents pass away. Her hardened edge and constant frown, which is meant to signal how overwhelmed she is, leaves little room to develop the tender aspects of her relationship with Lilo. Maia Kealoha is an adorable ray of sunshine as Lilo with her beaming smile and graceful hula moves, but she lacks the morbid interests and mischievous gleam in her eye that made the original character so unique. Lilo is no longer a dark little weirdo. She doesn’t even land the punch that Myrtle so rightly deserves.
Luckily, Lilo & Stitch completely nails the main attraction, Experiment 626 aka Stitch himself. Chris Sanders, one of the directors of the 2002 film, returns to voice the rambunctious creature. The expanded runtime showcases even more of his wild antics, such as crashing a fancy wedding, but also more of his sweetness, like the way he learns Lilo’s hula dance movements and traditional Hawaiian hand gestures, which pays off beautifully in the heartwrenching climax of the film.
Stitch’s design is perfect, with his big round eyes full of curiosity, love, and naughtiness. Kealoha interacts with him wonderfully; you never doubt for a moment that he’s there. The computerized Stitch never looks like the CGI slop that infects other Disney remakes, especially the most recent abominations: the seven dwarfs in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The film truly suffers from the removal of the giant alien Gantu (which, granted, would have been costly to include) and from turning Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) into the villain. Galifianakis seems miserable to be there and doesn’t bother to replicate Jumba’s silly Russian accent. Billy Magnussen is perfectly neurotic as Pleakley, but he never dresses in drag.
The new Lilo & Stitch rushes towards a too-convenient ending with the added character of Tūtū that, on the one hand, represents the warmth and support of the Native Hawaiian community, but at the same time, it negates the village that Nani is supposed to cultivate with the aliens. Lilo & Stitch puts the meaning of Ohana and Hawaii’s relationship to the mainland in question, in a way that the original film wouldn’t dare. This remake of Lilo & Stitch doesn’t quite let its freak flag fly, nor does it emulate the gentle simplicity of the original, but it has deepened our affection for Stitch and all his chaotic cuteness — if that’s even possible. And it’s certainly lightspeed ahead of the other Disney live-action interpretations.
How does the live-action Lilo & Stitch compare to the 2002 animated film?
The 2024 live-action Lilo & Stitch keeps much of the heart of the original but smooths over some of its quirks. Stitch himself remains the standout — voiced again by Chris Sanders, his chaotic energy and surprising sweetness are brought to life through flawless CGI and heartfelt interaction with Lilo. The expanded runtime gives more room for comedic antics and touching moments, particularly in the climax. However, character changes — such as a less eccentric Lilo, a hardened Nani, and a villainized Jumba — flatten some of the original’s emotional range and humor. While visually charming and ahead of many recent Disney remakes, it loses some of the “weird” and simple magic that made the 2002 film so unique.
Why should public and school libraries consider adding the new Lilo & Stitch to their collections?
This remake offers updated visual effects, a stronger focus on Stitch’s emotional journey, and an expanded celebration of Hawaiian culture, making it appealing for family programming and cultural discussion. Its PG rating and bright, engaging design make it a good fit for school screenings, while its changes from the original offer opportunities for media literacy activities comparing adaptations. For public libraries, the film’s popularity will attract patrons of all ages, and its themes of family, belonging, and cultural identity align well with community-oriented programming.