Disney unveils first look at 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action film with glimpse of CGI Stitch

[Enter Stage Rite]

Stitch is back from outer space, and this time, he’s trading in test tubes for the big screen. Disney dropped a bombshell at the D23 Expo, giving fans their first glimpse of the blue alien in live-action form for a Lilo & Stitch remake. That’s right—Stitch, the mischievous experiment, is getting a real-world makeover.

 

The original animated film, a cult classic released in 2002, captured hearts with its tale of an orphaned Hawaiian girl, Lilo, and her unlikely bond with the troublemaking Stitch. It was a heartwarming blend of family, friendship, and ohana, the Hawaiian concept of extended family. Now, director Dean Fleischer Camp is taking on the challenge of translating that magic into a live-action world.

 

 

The big question is: can CGI Stitch live up to the animated original? Disney seems confident. It’s crafted a digital version that aims to capture Stitch’s essence while giving him a more realistic look. It’s a delicate balancing act.

 

The film itself is scheduled for a summer 2025 release, giving us plenty of time to speculate and anticipate.

 

Joining the cast is Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as her sister, Nani. Zach Galifianakis is also on board, and Chris Sanders, the original voice of Stitch, is reprising his role. 

 

Interestingly, Disney has chosen to give the film a theatrical release rather than dropping it on Disney+. This is a bold move in an era dominated by streaming. It suggests the company has high hopes for the film and believes it has the power to draw audiences back to cinemas.

 

• https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lilo-and-stitch-live-action-first-look-date-1236063723/ 
• https://www.ign.com/articles/lilo-stitch-live-action-movie-will-release-in-summer-2025-first-look-at-stitch-revealed-d23-2024 
• https://ew.com/lilo-and-stitch-live-action-reveals-stitch-cgi-d23-8693579 

 

Image: Walt Disney Studios