Lilo & Stitch (2025) Movie ft. Chris Sanders – Filmywap

Disney’s live-action version of the classic Lilo & Stitch has hit theaters with Dean Fleischer Camp directing this heartwarming remake. The film brings together newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney as her sister Nani. Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch, joined by Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach.

Released on May 23, 2025, with a $100 million budget, this PG-rated film runs for 1 hour and 48 minutes. It marks the first Disney live-action remake to share the same rating as its original animated version.

Lilo & Stitch Cast Name

Plot and Story

The story follows six-year-old Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts what she thinks is a dog from the animal shelter. The dog is actually Experiment 626 (Stitch), a genetically engineered alien fugitive with destructive powers.

As Lilo and Stitch form their bond, they heal each other’s wounds while learning about ohana – the Hawaiian concept of family. The live-action version expands on Hawaiian culture and adds beautiful landscape shots that weren’t possible in animation.

Cast Performance

Maia Kealoha shines as Lilo, capturing her quirky and spirited personality perfectly. Her natural charm brings authenticity to the character that feels genuine rather than forced.

Sydney Agudong delivers solid work as Nani, showing the struggle of a young woman trying to raise her sister. Chris Sanders’ return as Stitch’s voice maintains the character’s beloved mischievous nature from the original film.

Direction and Visual Effects

Dean Fleischer Camp brings his indie film background to create a more grounded feel. His respectful approach honors the source material, though some scenes lack the brightness of the animated version.

The CGI work on Stitch is impressive, blending seamlessly with live actors. The Hawaiian setting looks stunning, showcasing the islands’ natural beauty and cultural richness effectively.

Box Office Success

The film has been a massive commercial hit, earning $183 million domestically and $341 million worldwide during its opening Memorial Day weekend. It has crossed the $200 million mark domestically and ranks as the second highest-grossing film of 2025.

This success proves the lasting appeal of the franchise and Disney’s remake strategy. The strong numbers come from nostalgia, family appeal, and the recovering theater market.

Critical Reception

Reviews have been mixed to positive across major platforms. Rotten Tomatoes shows varied critic responses, with praise for faithful adaptation but questions about the remake’s necessity.

Critics highlight strong performances from the young cast and effective Stitch visuals. However, some note the film feels redundant since the original told the story perfectly already.

What I Liked

I found Maia Kealoha’s performance genuinely charming and authentic. The Hawaiian cultural representation feels respectful and natural, not forced or stereotypical.

Stitch’s visual design works beautifully in live-action, maintaining his appeal while looking realistic. The family dynamics between Lilo and Nani create genuine emotional moments that connect with audiences.

What Could Be Better

The transition from animation to live-action doesn’t always feel necessary. Some comedic moments that worked perfectly in animation feel awkward in the realistic setting.

Pacing issues occasionally slow down the story, and some supporting performances feel less natural than others. The film struggles to balance its different tones smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Lilo & Stitch (2025) succeeds as a respectful adaptation that honors the original’s heart. While it doesn’t revolutionize the story, it translates the emotional core effectively to live-action.

The commercial success shows audience demand, even with mixed critical reception. Families will find quality entertainment, and fans can enjoy revisiting the story in a new format. However, those expecting major improvements over the animated classic may question why this remake needed to exist, despite its technical skill and heartfelt moments.