Disney is no stranger to live-action remakes, but its latest project might just be the one to win over fans. Lilo & Stitch (2025) is on the way, and after the release of its first full trailer, audiences are already calling it one of the most promising adaptations in recent years.
After months of anticipation, Walt Disney Studios premiered the full trailer for Lilo & Stitch (2025) on March 12. The film, which hits theaters on May 23, 2025, revisits the beloved 2002 animated classic, bringing the story of Lilo Pelekai and her chaotic yet lovable alien companion into live-action for the first time.
In initial teasers, Disney paid homage to the original film’s marketing campaign, recreating Stitch’s iconic interruptions of other animated Disney movies. One teaser even featured him running onto the field before the Super Bowl, much like his mischievous antics in 2002’s promotional materials.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021), the film features newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, alongside Chris Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch. The cast also includes Sydney Agudong (Nani Pelekai), Zach Galifianakis (Dr. Jumba Jookiba), Billy Magnussen (Agent Pleakley), Kaipo Dudoit (David Kawena), Courtney B. Vance (Cobra Bubbles), Hannah Waddingham (the Grand Councilwoman), and Amy Hill (Tūtū).
Two original Lilo & Stitch (2002) cast members have also joined the live-action remake in new roles—Tia Carrere, the voice of Nani in the animated film, plays Mrs. Kekoa, and Jason Scott Lee, the original voice of David, stars as a lūʻau manager.
Disney Fans Say Lilo & Stitch Feels Like a Return to Form
With Disney’s live-action remakes frequently facing criticism for straying too far from the originals, many fans were skeptical about Lilo & Stitch. However, after seeing the trailer, excitement is building.
“I didn’t really want a live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch at all, but this actually looks really good, and I’m excited now!” @thcfastestman wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It seems like a faithful adaptation. #LiloAndStitch”
I didn't really want a live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch at all, but this actually looks really good, and I'm excited now! It seems like a faithful adaptation.#LiloAndStitch
— Matt 🇳🇴 (@thcfastestman) March 12, 2025
“Dare I say, as somebody who hated the idea of this film from its conception even after the first two trailers, this looks really good,” said @popejoywriter.
Dare I say, as somebody who hated the idea of this film from its conception even after the first two trailers, this looks really good.
— Noah Popejoy – Legend of Zelda Movie HYPE!!! (@PopejoyWriter) March 12, 2025
Commenters on YouTube echoed similar sentiments.
“This is all I wanted from this live action,” @danihofprojects24 wrote. “They all look freaking perfect! Enough new stuff to get me exicted, enough of the old stuff to feed into my nostalgia.”
“Why was this one of the best trailers for a Disney live action film?” @disneyfreak309 asked.
See Lilo & Stitch in theaters on May 23, 2025.
Are you excited about the live-action Lilo & Stitch? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
