Early reactions praise the emotional fidelity to the 2002 animated classic and commend director Dean Fleischer Camp for skillfully balancing nostalgia with a fresh narrative.

A Reboot That Moves

The story remains the same: Experiment 626, an alien creature, escapes from the Galactic Federation and crash-lands in Hawaii, where he’s adopted by young Lilo and renamed Stitch. However, this new version delves deeper into the relationship between Lilo and her sister Nani, adding an emotional depth that’s been widely praised.

Independent critic Michael Lee described the film as “a sweet reboot that largely captures the spirit of the original through a modern lens,” highlighting Lilo and Nani’s relationship as “even more heartfelt” and “the emotional core of the story.”

Standout Performances

Maia Kealoha, in her film debut as Lilo, has been acclaimed for her touching performance. Sydney Agudong, who plays Nani, was also praised for her role. Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis bring humor to the film as Agent Pleakley and Dr. Jumba Jookiba, respectively.

Controversy and Changes

Despite positive reviews, some fans have expressed disappointment over the omission of certain elements from the original, such as Pleakley’s characterization. Director Dean Fleischer Camp explained that these choices were made for narrative and budgetary reasons, aiming to balance CGI use while maintaining high visual quality for characters like Stitch.

Release Date

Lilo & Stitch is set to hit theaters on May 23, 2025. With its mix of humor, emotion, and stunning visuals, this adaptation is shaping up to be one of Disney’s most successful remakes in recent years.