In a movie that has fans excited and impatiently waiting, Disney has announced the upcoming live-action adaptation of its beloved animated classic, Lilo & Stitch. The 2002 film, which touched hearts with its story of a young Hawaiian girl and her mischievous alien companion, is getting a modern twist for the live-action era.
This live-action remake is just one of many that Disney has produced in the last few years. It will be following in the footsteps of movies like “The Little Mermaid (2023)”,” Snow White (2025)”, and “The Beauty and the Beast (2017)”. Although there is some controversy with these remakes, they usually do very well at the box office and with fans.
The film will stay true to the original story which is loved by many. A young Hawaiian girl, Lilo, lives alone with her sister, Nani, and they decide to adopt a puppy. What they end up adopting is an alien, Stitch, who was truly designed for destruction. The original movie touches on sisterhood, friendship, and loneliness. The live action seems to be heading in the same direction with similar themes.
“I loved the movie when I was little, it was such a different approach to a Disney movie in my opinion compared to others,” Peyton Healey (9) said.
One thing on the minds of many fans as they anticipated this live-action remake was the cast.
Casting ethnically and racially appropriate characters was absolutely necessary for the film to be well-received by the public. Maia Kealoha will play Lilo, and Sydney Agudong will play Nani. While David, Nani’s love interest in the movie, will be played by Kaipo Dudoit.
“The casting for the movie is really good, I’m excited to go see it and watch how they bring the movie to life,” Vesper Hayes (10) said.
Filming for the movie wrapped up in March 2024 and was set in Hawaii. However filming truly began in 2023, but when it was originally intended to begin in 2020. Due to COVID-19, they had to push back the progress of the movie.
The Lilo & Stitch live adaptation will be released on students’ last day of school May 23rd, 2025. This could make for a great beginning of summer outing for many Bluebirds! Make sure to catch the film on the big screen.
