In 2025, Disney gifted us with a long-awaited remake: Lilo & Stitch, part of its initiative to revive early 2000s classics in live-action format. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp — known for his warm and sensitive work in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On — the anticipation was high, and within weeks, the film had already cemented itself as one of the year’s biggest successes, grossing over $770 million worldwide.
As expected from a beloved classic, Lilo & Stitch sparked intense reactions: from praise for its emotional fidelity to criticism over narrative choices that altered iconic moments. These elements reignited the debate over how adaptations should balance nostalgia with cultural authenticity. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the plot, the cast, the highlights, what makes the film unmissable, and encourage readers to watch it via YouCine.
A New Take on a Disney Classic
The 2025 film retells the story of little Lilo Pelekai, played by Maia Kealoha, a six-year-old Hawaiian girl living in Kauaʻi. The premise remains very faithful to the 2002 animation: Lilo adopts what she believes is a “dog,” who turns out to be the alien fugitive Experiment 626, better known as Stitch. The plot dives deeper into the relationship between sisters Lilo and Nani after the death of their parents, exploring the emotional impact of their loss.
Stitch escapes from alien confinement, crashes into Hawaii, and is taken in by Lilo, who sees the alien as a chance to find a friend. Meanwhile, Galactic Federation representatives Jumba and Pleakley—played here by Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen—try to recapture 626. The duo disguises themselves as humans, a live-action choice that avoids the original’s comedic exaggerations, favoring a more realistic and emotional tone.
Unlike the original film, this remake introduces a major twist in the third act: Nani decides to move to the mainland to study marine biology, leaving Lilo under the care of a neighbor—a change defended by the director in honor of the Hawaiian traditions of ohana and hanai. While this decision sparked debate among fans, it reinforces the film’s message of community as family—an authentic approach to local values.
Cast and main Characters
Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai. Making her film debut at six years old, Maia Kealoha impresses with her contagious energy, portraying Lilo as playful, curious, and deeply charismatic. Her performance was praised by Entertainment Weekly as “emotionally rich and nuanced,” steering clear of the “troublemaker girl” stereotype.
Sydney Elizabeth Agudong as Nani Pelekai
Sydney brings unprecedented depth to Nani: her character faces intense conflict between family responsibility and her college dreams. The film expands her journey, showcasing her academic ambitions which ultimately motivate her decision to move.
Chris Sanders as the Voice of Stitch
The original creator of the character returns to voice Stitch once again. His performance has received high praise: Stitch’s sweet and expressive tone shines in this new context, touching audiences and critics alike.
Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen as Jumba and Pleakley
Galifianakis takes on a more serious role as Jumba, while Magnussen brings lightness and humor to Pleakley. Both actors debut in Disney live-action roles, cementing the comedic chemistry of this central duo.
Actors’ Career Paths
Maia Kealoha – A debutante in film, her performance already puts her in the spotlight. If she maintains the emotional depth seen in Lilo & Stitch, she could be tapped for more emotionally powerful family projects.
Sydney Agudong – Prior to the film, Sydney starred in teen productions like One Summer. Her role as Nani showcases her versatility, opening doors to more mature and emotionally complex roles.
Chris Sanders – Creator of Lilo & Stitch, he also directed How to Train Your Dragon (2010) and The Croods (2013), expanding DreamWorks’ legacy. His return as Stitch’s voice reaffirms his creative connection to the franchise.
Zach Galifianakis – Known for adult comedies like The Hangover, he embraces a new challenge by portraying a serious alien in live-action—a significant shift from his usual satirical roles.
Billy Magnussen – Known for Into the Woods and Aladdin (2019), he blends theatricality and humor into Pleakley, earning praise for his vivacity.
Tia Carrere, Courtney B. Vance, and Amy Hill – Carrere returns to the franchise as social worker Mrs. Kekoa. Vance reimagines the iconic Cobra Bubbles in a more grounded and accessible role. Hill (Tūtū) brings cultural authenticity, portraying a wise and charismatic neighbor.
Film Highlights
The CGI Stitch is widely praised for his “adorable” features and lifelike interactions, thanks to a combination of puppetry and enhanced digital effects—a blend of ILM and Legacy Effects expertise. This approach evokes nostalgia and preserves the character’s recognizability.
The film deepens original cultural elements, including hula dancing, real Kauaʻi landscapes, and a reimagined soundtrack featuring Elvis classics and modern Hawaiian renditions produced by Bruno Mars and Iam Tongi. These choices enrich the setting and demonstrate cultural respect.
Camp’s direction focuses on the bond between Lilo and Nani, emphasizing grief and the creation of a new ohana. Critics highlight that the film elevates the family theme to a more emotionally mature level.
Though a remake, the film brings emotional depth: grief, sacrifice, and growth are portrayed with rare sensitivity for a Disney adaptation. The sisterly bond adds poignancy to the story.
Fans of the original animation will find comfort in iconic recreated scenes; at the same time, the film introduces emotional and cultural nuances that justify its existence.
Maia Kealoha and the use of real puppetry create spontaneous, genuine, and charming scenes—a winning formula for connecting with both kids and adults.
Watch Lilo & Stitch Online on YouCine
The Lilo & Stitch live-action remake stands out as a rich and modern reimagining of a classic. It’s not just about replicating nostalgic moments, but about recreating the story with heart, depth, and deep cultural respect, a rare balance in remakes, but one admirably achieved by Camp and his cast.
For those seeking an emotional, visually stunning film with a powerful message about family and acceptance, this feature is guaranteed fun. Whether revisiting Lilo’s universe or introducing a new generation to the story, the result is a film that resonates.
And you don’t have to wait: download the YouCine app now and watch Lilo & Stitch online with all the comfort and quality the platform offers. Discover for yourself the chemistry between Maia Kealoha and Stitch, explore the Hawaiian beauty from your couch, and share this experience with those you love.
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