Disney is gearing up for a big splash with the teaser trailer for its live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. The updated version of the beloved 2002 animated film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and slated for release on May 23, 2025. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as they look forward to seeing new faces alongside some returning stars.
In the spotlight are newcomers Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong as Lilo’s sister Nani, and Kaipot Dudoit as David Kawena. They are joined by comedic standout Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Courtney B. Vance, and Hannah Waddingham. Not to leave fans of the original out in the cold, the movie also sees Chris Sanders reprise his role as the voice of Stitch, with Tia Carrere, Amy Hill, and Jason Scott Lee returning as well.
The teaser trailer promises a colorful spectacle, as the iconic blue alien Stitch is once again seen causing mayhem on a beach, echoing the shenanigans from the original. The heartwarming tale follows a Hawaiian girl named Lilo, who unexpectedly adopts what she believes is a mischievous dog. Instead, it’s Stitch, an alien with a chaotic mission, bringing humor and heart to the story.
Camp’s direction is backed by a script from Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, staying true to the essence of the original film co-directed by Sanders and Dean DeBlois. Disney regulars Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin step in as producers, ensuring the film aligns with the studio’s ongoing legacy of successful live-action adaptations.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Sanders expressed his enthusiasm about returning to voice Stitch. “I have been able to see a few things, and I can’t tell you what I’ve seen,” Sanders teased. “But they allowed me to see some peeks of what they wrote, too, and it’s really cool.”
Camp, who previously directed the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell with Shoes On for A24, is no stranger to creating imaginative and heartfelt narratives. The film’s potential success appears to fit well into Disney’s broader strategy of reimagining its classic animations. The studio continues to roll out live-action films, with director Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King and the Rachel Zegler-led Snow White among the high-profile projects heading to theaters.
Closing Credits
The live-action Lilo & Stitch is yet another installment in Disney’s journey of transforming its animated classics into modern cinematic experiences. As fans count down to the May 2025 release, they can look forward to new interpretations alongside nostalgic nods to the original. This film, much like Disney’s recent endeavors, aims to blend cherished traditions with innovative storytelling techniques. Keep an eye on cinemas on May 23, 2025, as Lilo and her out-of-this-world companion return to captivate audiences once more.
