Disney has officially released the first trailer for its live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, and against all odds, it actually looks fantastic.
Fans have been skeptical about Disney’s live-action adaptations, and rightfully so. But as we like to say around here, we call balls and strikes giving honest thoughts and opinions, and it looks as though this one might just buck the trend. The trailer showcases stunning Hawaiian landscapes, a near-perfect CGI recreation of Stitch, and what looked to be a faithful take on the Grand Councilwoman, all of which remain incredibly true to the animated classic.
Experiment 626 in the Live Action Lilo & Stitch movie – YouTube, IGN
Additionally the Grand Councilwoman’s spaceship and Stitch’s stolen red police cruiser look as though they came right from the original animation cells. Have a look at the Lilo & Stitch trailer for yourself in the player below!
NEW: Here’s the first official trailer for the live-action ‘LILO & STITCH’pic.twitter.com/f5reufXCbS
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 12, 2025
The cast features newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, and from the glimpses in the trailer, she appears to embody the role effortlessly. Sydney Agudong plays Nani, Lilo’s fiercely protective older sister, and her performance looks strong. However, her casting wasn’t without controversy.
When she was announced, woke critics took issue with the fact that she wasn’t “dark enough” to portray Nani, sparking yet another unnecessary online outrage. Instead of celebrating the casting of an actual Hawaiian actress in a Hawaiian role, activists complained purely on the basis of skin tone—ignoring talent, screen presence, and authenticity in favor of superficial identity politics.
Nani in the Lilo & Stitch live action film – YouTube, IGN
Beyond the casting drama, the film has a solid lineup. Chris Sanders, the original voice of Stitch, returns to give the character his iconic sound, ensuring that the mischievous alien remains as chaotic and lovable as ever. Zach Galifianakis steps in as Jumba, Billy Magnussen takes on Pleakley, and Tia Carrere—who originally voiced Nani—returns in a new role.
Unlike Disney’s recent live-action disasters, Lilo & Stitch (at least from the trailer…) appears to be a faithful adaptation rather than a revisionist rewrite.
Lilo and Stitch with Nani in the Live Action Lilo & Stitch movie – YouTube, IGN
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Films like The Little Mermaid and the upcoming Snow White made drastic changes, particularly with race swaps and forced modern messaging. Snow White has been especially controversial, with Rachel Zegler openly dismissing the original film, bashing the classic love story, and boasting about how Disney changed Snow White’s entire character motivation—abandoning the pursuit of true love in favor of an uninspired “girlboss” narrative.
The end result doesn’t feel like Snow White at all.
Lilo kisses Stitch on the nose in Lilo & Stitch – YouTube, IGN
In contrast, Lilo & Stitch seems to respect its source material. From the accurate character designs to the heartfelt sibling dynamic, this remake looks like a refreshing return to what made Disney classics beloved in the first place. That said, fans are still waiting to see Professor Jumba and Captain Gantu, who have yet to appear in any official footage.
If Disney keeps the film true to its roots, this could be one of the rare live-action remakes that actually works.
What do you think of the Lilo & Stitch trailer? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
In no way does this look good. It’s like people forgot The Garfield Movie existed, and is proof that Live Action and CGI don’t mix.
It will be just as bad as every other “Live Action” Disney Demake……….
Ohana means child neglect.