Disney’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ review: nostalgic but lacking the original magic

Disney’s beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch gets a live-action makeover in 2025, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.

While this version stays loyal to the original 2002 storyline, the new Lilo & Stitch lacks the chaotic charm and vibrant energy that made the animated version a fan favorite.

The live-action remake follows Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a lonely Hawaiian girl, who adopts Stitch — a genetically-engineered alien posing as a dog. As in the original, chaos ensues as Stitch’s creators (played by Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen) chase him down, all while Lilo and her sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) fight to keep their family together.

Despite solid performances and updated visuals, fans may find Stitch’s new photorealistic design more cuddly than chaotic. Fleischer Camp’s version sacrifices the exaggerated expressions and cartoon-style humor for a tamer, more grounded tone. The CGI aliens, including Jumba and Pleakley, fare better in execution, but Stitch’s look may divide longtime fans.

The film extends the original with added scenes, like a surfing sequence and expanded roles for side characters, but the pacing slows slightly. Maia Kealoha’s performance as Lilo is polished, though some critics feel it misses the character’s original wild spirit.

While visually impressive and emotionally grounded, Lilo & Stitch joins Disney’s growing list of technically sound but creatively restrained live-action remakes. It’s heartfelt, but perhaps too safe for a story that once thrived on unpredictability.

Lilo & Stitch is now playing in theaters and will stream on Disney+ later this year.