When Disney released the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, fans were eager to see how the beloved 2002 animated classic would be reimagined. While the heart of the story remains the same, an outcast alien finding family with a little Hawaiian girl, sharp-eyed viewers noticed something intriguing: in Jumbaa’s lab, a brief scene reveals the outlines, data files, or schematics of other experiments besides Stitch.
These background cameos might be easy to miss, but they’re no accident. They’re nods to three of the most iconic experiments from the extended Lilo & Stitch universe: Angel (Experiment 624), Reuben (Experiment 625), and Experiment 627.
If you caught their appearances and wondered, “Who are these characters?” We’re about to explain.
A Franchise Fueled by Experiments
The original Lilo & Stitch film was so successful that it launched one of Disney’s most robust animated franchises. Its popularity led to multiple direct-to-video sequels, a full-length television series, and even a Japanese anime sequel (Stitch!), reimagining the story for a new audience while continuing the core themes of family and redemption.
A key element of the franchise’s growth was the concept of Jumbaa’s hundreds of genetic experiments, each with a designated number, special powers, and a unique personality. In Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Lilo and Stitch take on the mission of finding, rehabilitating, and assigning each one to a place where it can do good, giving each episode a new “cousin” to discover.
Among these experiments, Angel, Reuben, and Experiment 627 became standouts, and it’s no surprise Disney chose to include their visual cameos in the live-action film. Here’s a look at each one and where they originally appeared.
Angel (Experiment 624)
Angel has a siren-like ability to sing a song that reverts rehabilitated experiments back to their original evil programming. When her song is played backward, it reverses the effect.
Her first appearance was in Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Season 2, Episode 1, “Angel”.
In her debut episode, Angel is activated and uses her hypnotic song to turn Stitch’s rehabilitated cousins evil again.
Her powers make her a serious threat, but the episode takes a dramatic turn when she develops real emotions, especially for Stitch. Her arc ends with her turning good and joining the ohana, and she became so popular that she later appeared in the Stitch! anime series.
Reuben (Experiment 625)
Reuben has all of Stitch’s abilities, super strength, agility, and enhanced senses, but he’s extremely lazy. He’s more interested in making sandwiches than causing trouble.
He first appeared in Stitch! The Movie in 2003. Reuben is first introduced as the comic relief sidekick to the villainous Dr. Hämsterviel. He cracks jokes, critiques everyone around him, and spends most of his time making sandwiches. But when things get serious, Reuben surprises everyone by stepping up and using his abilities to help defeat a major threat. He returns to Lilo & Stitch: The Series, where he plays a key role. Later, he is seen in Leroy & Stitch, the movie.
Experiment 627
Designed to be even stronger than Stitch, 627 has extra arms, enhanced strength, speed, and the ability to deflect energy blasts. He’s also permanently programmed to be evil.
He appeared in Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Season 1, Episode 19. Jumbaa creates him as a supposed upgrade to Stitch. Experiment 627 is introduced as a powerful but uncontrollable experiment.
Though his abilities outmatch Stitch’s, his arrogance and inability to take anything seriously prove to be his downfall. Stitch ultimately defeats him using strategy and cleverness, and Jumbaa deactivates 627 to prevent further chaos.
Why These Cameos Matter
Their brief visual inclusion in the live-action film is more than just a fun Easter egg; it’s a nod to the loyal fanbase that followed these characters across multiple shows and movies. Angel, Reuben, and 627 weren’t just one-off experiments. They helped define the tone, humor, and emotional depth of the Lilo & Stitch franchise.
From the main film to its many spin-offs, these experiments have played a role in shaping the galaxy Stitch comes from. Whether you remember them from your Saturday morning cartoons or are discovering them for the first time after seeing their cameos in the live-action movie, one thing’s clear: there’s a lot more to Stitch’s world than just 626.
