Disney has come under fire from a number of film fans after it released the first full trailer for its highly anticipated live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, set to hit cinemas on May 23, 2025.
The trailer, which debuted yesterday, offers fans their best look yet at the reimagining of the beloved 2002 animated classic.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, the film brings the chaotic blue alien and his Hawaiian human friend to life.
Originally intended as a direct-to-Disney+ release, the film was later upgraded to a full theatrical release, likely due to the enduring popularity of the Stitch character.
The film follows the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo who wishes upon a shooting star for a best friend.
Her wish coincides with the crash landing of Stitch, a dog-like alien experiment genetically engineered to be a force of destruction.
After Lilo adopts the mischievous blue creature from a shelter, the pair form an unlikely bond.
According to the official synopsis: “With nosy social workers and pursuing aliens banging on the door, the two bond over a shared sense of family and win the day.”
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The first trailer for the live-action ‘LILO & STITCH’ remake has been released.
In theaters on May 23. pic.twitter.com/U178zyUMrw
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 12, 2025
The trailer highlights the film’s central theme of “ohana”, the Hawaiian concept meaning family – and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
While the remake is seeming to stay true its original source material, it didn’t take long for a debate to erupt online about whether Disney needs to rehash some of its most beloved animations from yesteryear.
In response to the trailer shared by popular film social media account, Discussing Film, there was a clear divide among cinemagoers, with one fan hitting out: “Disney needs to stop touching classics and make new movies we’re begging.”
“Instead of rehashing the exact same story, but as a live action. Why not do a sequel side story etc?” a second suggested. “Not of fan of the scene for scene remakes. Malevolence is a good example a prequel live action, not a frame for frame remake.”
A third also took aim as Disney’s creative approach: “We didn’t ask for this, but disney said ‘you’ll take it and you’ll like it’.”
And another critic weighed in: “I still don’t understand why this needed to be a thing. The original was PERFECT. What could a remake POSSIBLY improve upon?”
However, some were more supportive of the idea, with others expressing their excitement towards the project.
“Haven’t been a fan of Disney movies lately, but this one looks like it might actually be worth watching,” one fan argued. “Nostalgia is one hell of a drug, it’s working on me. Especially with this.”
And another applauded: “I gotta admit this looks good lol….Disney might just hit a homerun with this one.” (sic)
The film stars newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with the young Hawaiian actress expressing her excitement about landing the role.
“When I found out I was going to be Lilo, my jaw literally dropped and I couldn’t even believe it,” Kealoha told PEOPLE last June.
Chris Sanders, who co-directed the original animated film, returns to voice Stitch.
Sydney Agudong plays Lilo’s older sister and guardian Nani, while Zach Galifianakis voices Dr Jumba Jookiba.
The cast also includes Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Courtney B Vance as social worker Cobra Bubbles, and Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman.
Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original, returns in a new role as Mrs Kekoa.
Elvis Presley’s music features prominently once again, with You’re the Devil in Disguise playing as Stitch causes havoc across Hawaii in the promo.
Other familiar scenes include Stitch honking at drivers and chugging lava lamp liquid, capturing the chaotic energy of the animated original.
Lilo & Stitch joins Disney’s growing slate of live-action remakes of animated classics.
The studio has previously released adaptations of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid with varying degrees of success.
Snow White is set to hit cinemas on March 21, 2025, just two months before Lilo & Stitch, although that too has faced its fair share of backlash since it was announced.