Disney has released the first full trailer for the upcoming Lilo & Stitch remake, revealing familiar moments, new additions, and plenty of heart.
I’ve been pretty clear about my feelings on live-action remakes of animated classics. There have been some really fun ones that lead to new generations finding classic stories. Too often, they’ve felt a little lifeless and more like plays on audience nostalgia.
Lilo & Stitch being among my all time favorite Disney animations, I was a bit concerned (especially since it doesn’t seem that old) on where it would fall. If this, incredibly fun, trailer is anything to go by, it’ll be pretty great.
While there’s plenty of familiar territory here, but there’s enough newness sprinkled within that encourages me it’ll be more than a simple retread. More than anything, however, I’m thrilled at seeing how much heart is evident in the trailer. That’s a big part of the original, and if they’re able to keep that intact along with the fun, we’re in for a treat.
“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.
Lilo & Stitch hits theaters on May 23, 2025.
