“Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten!” This beloved line comes to life once more as Disney gave fans a glimpse of the upcoming live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch” at D23 on Friday, featuring Maia Kealoha in the role of Lilo Pelekai.
Set to hit theaters in the summer of 2025, the film has a tentative release date of May 23, according to Disney’s schedule, though this was not confirmed at D23.
This live-action remake closely follows the storyline of the original 2002 film, created by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. The animated classic told the story of 6-year-old Lilo and her older sister Nani in Hawaii, who adopt an unusual blue alien, Stitch.
In the new adaptation, Stitch will be brought to life using CGI. Over the years, “Lilo & Stitch” has inspired several spinoffs, including “Stitch! The Movie,” “Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch,” and “Leroy & Stitch,” as well as a TV series that aired on Disney Channel and ABC Kids from 2003 to 2006.
In this adaptation, Sydney Agudong takes on the role of Nani, while Sanders returns to voice Stitch. The cast also includes newcomer Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Courtney B. Vance as Lilo’s social worker, Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, Amy Hill as Tūtū, and Jason Scott Lee as David Kawena.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his work on “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” the film features a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback are producing, with Ryan Halprin, Tom C. Peitzman, and Louie Provost serving as executive producers.