Following the beloved 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch makes a comeback in live-action under the direction of Dean Fleischer-Camp, known for helming Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. This Disney adaptation, written by Chris K.T. Bright and Mike Van Waes, stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, alongside notable names like Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba. Released in theaters in France on May 21, 2025, this family adventure film blending science fiction and comedy will arrive on Disney+ on February 21, 2026.
The story centers on Lilo Pelekai, a lonely Hawaiian girl struggling to find her place in a world filled with loss and the challenge of "building a family." When she meets Stitch, an escapee extraterrestrial creature she initially mistakes for a strange animal, it sets off a series of unforeseen events where love and friendship blossom amidst the chaos.
As authorities, adults, and outsiders close in, Lilo and her sister Nani must struggle to maintain their fragile balance. The film turns “ohana” (family) into a central driving force, blending adventure, humor, and heartfelt emotion, while keeping the ultimate resolution under wraps.
Developed as part of the studio's ongoing line of live-action adaptations, the film relies on a contemporary setting and a clear cultural identity. Principal filming took place in Hawaii, specifically on the island of O’ahu, with consultants brought in to ensure authenticity in dialogue, language, and local cultural references. The Pelekai house was built as an outdoor set, while several interior scenes were shot at the Point Panic studio near Honolulu.
Stitch's design is a blend of various effects: a puppet crafted by Legacy Effects was used on set to allow actors to interact naturally, followed by detailed CGI work, primarily by Industrial Light & Magic, to bring the creature to life convincingly within realistic environments. Chris Sanders, the original creator and voice of Stitch, reprises his role, providing a seamless connection to the beloved animated film.
The cast also features nods to the 2002 film: Amy Hill, who appeared in the original, returns in a new role; Tia Carrere and Jason Scott Lee, voice actors of Nani and David in the animated version, also make appearances in this adaptation. These inclusions connect the project to a sense of passing the torch—serving as both a tribute and a reimagining.
This version is likely to resonate with families and viewers who appreciate stories about personal growth blending science fiction and family comedy. It continues the trend of recent Disney live-action adaptations, such as Aladdin and The Lion King, all while maintaining the unique spirit of Lilo & Stitch: a story grounded in our world, far from fairy-tale conventions, focused on belonging and mending relationships.
Lilo & Stitch
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: May 21, 2025
Available on Disney+ from February 21, 2026
Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction | Duration: 1h48
Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp | Starring Maia Kealoha, Zach Galifianakis, Chris Sanders
Original title: Lilo & Stitch
Country: United States
By setting the story in a more realistic universe while staying true to the duo's core and the central theme of “ohana,” Lilo & Stitch seeks to blend nostalgia with fresh discovery. Its launch on Disney+ extends the experience beyond the big screen and repositions this adaptation within the studio’s ongoing series of live-action reinterpretations.
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