The world of Disney live-action adaptations has always been filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of trepidation. Fans flock to theaters, eager to see their favorite animated classics reimagined with real-world visuals and updated takes. However, with each adaptation comes the inevitable challenge of staying true to the original while introducing new elements that resonate with modern audiences.
As the upcoming live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch approaches, one change has stirred controversy among fans—and it’s not about the look of Stitch himself.
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Instead, it’s a significant alteration to the character of Pleakley, the quirky alien originally known for cross-dressing to blend in with humans.
The Pleakley Controversy: Why the Change?
The original Lilo & Stitch, released in 2002, was groundbreaking in many ways. One of the standout moments in the film was the character of Pleakley, voiced by Kevin McDonald. Pleakley’s disguise, which involved him dressing in a blonde wig and a dress, was a hilarious and memorable part of the movie.
This moment, while comedic, was also seen as a gentle challenge to traditional gender norms, allowing the film to address issues of identity and acceptance in a lighthearted way.
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For many fans, it was a defining moment that made Pleakley both endearing and important in the context of the film.
However, in Disney’s upcoming live-action version, the decision has been made to alter Pleakley’s character. Pleakley will not be cross-dressing in the live-action film. Instead, he and his partner, Dr. Jumba, another alien character, will be depicted as more traditional male characters.
This change has raised questions among fans about Disney’s intentions with the remake and whether the company is shying away from certain aspects of the original film that made it stand out.
The backlash over the change was swift, with many fans expressing their disappointment online. Some critics have accused Disney of “un-woking” the remake, arguing that the studio is removing an important and progressive moment for the sake of avoiding controversy.
Director Dean Fleischer Camp Responds
Amidst the growing backlash, Lilo & Stitch director Dean Fleischer Camp took to social media to address the controversy.
In a TikTok video, Fleischer Camp explained that he had initially tried to keep Pleakley’s iconic cross-dressing moment in the live-action film, but ultimately decided it wasn’t a fit for the movie’s overall tone. He shared images of the original concept art, which showed Pleakley in a dress, indicating that the change was a creative decision rather than an attempt to erase the character’s memorable moment.
“I have had people message me, ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress? And I just want to say, I tried… I tried.”
@marceltheshellwshoeson
Fleischer Camp’s response was a candid attempt to explain the reasoning behind the decision. While he acknowledged the importance of Pleakley’s original portrayal, he also emphasized that the live-action version aimed to capture the essence of the character in a different way.
For Fleischer Camp, the challenge was to balance the legacy of the animated film with the need to update certain aspects to align with the film’s overall vision.
Looking Ahead: A Film Full of Heart
While the controversy over Pleakley’s character change may dominate the conversation, it’s important to remember that Lilo & Stitch is still a beloved story about family, love, and acceptance.
The film’s central message remains the same: that the family you choose is just as important as the one you’re born into. This theme is timeless and will likely resonate with audiences just as much today as it did in 2002.
As we await the live-action remake’s release, fans are eager to see how the film will capture the magic of the original. With a talented cast and a new director at the helm, the remake has the potential to become a fresh take on a classic story.
What do you think about the decision to remove Pleakley’s cross-dressing moment from the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch? Do you agree with the director’s explanation, or do you think the change was a missed opportunity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
