The biggest differences between Disney’s animated Lilo & Stitch and the live-action remake, from a missing villain to a reimagined ending.
***Spoilers Ahead***
The beloved tale of intergalactic friendship and Hawaiian ohana is back—but not without some major updates. Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, directed by Marcel the Shell with Shoes On filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, premiered on May 23, more than two decades after the 2002 animated classic first captured hearts. While much of the heartwarming essence remains intact, this new reimagining brings several notable changes—both in casting and storytelling.
@cinemablend “Lilo & Stitch” director Dean Fleischer Camp and producer Jonathan Eirich explain why Gantu was cut out of the new live-action version of the beloved film 👋 #liloandstitch #gantu #disney #liloandstitchliveaction #movie #movies #disneymovie #celebrityinterview ♬ original sound – cinemablend
The biggest shake-up? The film’s villain lineup. Fans of the original will notice the glaring absence of Captain Gantu, the towering whale-like alien once voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson. In his place, Jumba, Stitch’s mad scientist creator, takes on a more villainous role. Previously portrayed as quirky and well-meaning, Jumba—now played by Zach Galifianakis—is a darker force this time around. “It was kind of fun just to act with your menacing face,” Galifianakis said about the transformation.
Jumba isn’t alone, of course. His quirky companion Pleakley also returns, with Billy Magnussen taking over the role from Kevin McDonald. But there’s a twist: Pleakley’s iconic drag disguises from the original animated film are missing in action. Although concept sketches show the character in a wig and dress, director Camp admitted in a TikTok post, “I tried. I tried,” when it came to keeping Pleakley’s gender-bending wardrobe.
@marceltheshellwshoeson #disney #liloandstitch #animation ♬ original sound – Dean Fleischer Camp
The live-action version also welcomes back some familiar voices—in new roles. Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, now plays Mrs. Kekoa, a compassionate social worker helping the new Nani (played by Sydney Agudong) raise Lilo (Maia Kealoha). Carrere praised her successor, saying, “She’s so good, and she’s so strong.” Meanwhile, Amy Hill, who voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the original, returns as Tūtū, David’s grandmother and a new character who plays a pivotal role in the new storyline.
@nathalia.motta The voice actors returning for the live action Lilo & Stitch @Disney @Walt Disney Animation Studios #movies #liloandstitch #liloandstitchliveaction #film #voiceactors #chrissanders #tiacarrere #jasonscottlee #amyhill ♬ Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu & Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus
One of the most significant departures from the 2002 version is the film’s emotional ending. While both versions conclude with Stitch staying on Earth, the live-action finale dives deeper into Nani’s future. After their home is destroyed, Tūtū steps in to care for Lilo, freeing Nani to pursue her dream of studying marine biology in college. Thanks to a sci-fi twist—a portal gun—Nani can still visit her sister, maintaining their bond while no longer carrying the full burden of parenthood.
With heartfelt performances, emotional depth, and thoughtful updates, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake pays tribute to its predecessor while crafting its own unique identity. And while fans may miss a few familiar elements, the new film still champions the same powerful message: “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
