Originally published to 8 News Now on May 21, 2025.

Disney has seemingly resolved to remake every beloved animated film from its catalog, no matter how recent or distant its release date is to modern day. In one year, we’ve seen the live-action remake of Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White, and now a new take on another classic. Twenty-three years later, “Lilo & Stitch” receives the live-action remake treatment.

The challenge of doing an even-handed analysis of this new version of “Lilo & Stitch” is avoiding comparison—the so-called “thief of joy.” For many, 2025’s edition may be their first time experiencing this story. From that perspective, there’s a lot to like about the film. For instance, Maia Kealoha performs admirably as Lilo in her feature film debut. Sydney Agudong brings realism to Nani, which is needed to ground the story. And there’s Stitch, who was the cornerstone of the original film. Chris Sanders returns to voice the chaotic titular monster, and his energy and comedy are effective here.

Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen’s portrayals of Jumba and Pleakley are reduced to standard-issue comic relief, lacking the charm and depth of their animated counterparts. It’s a similar fate for Courtney B. Vance’s Cobra Bubbles, whose character has been mostly purged of his intrigue. Instead, the attention of the live-action film places attention on original characters like Amy Hill’s Tutu, who is likable enough. Like Agudong’s take on Nani, her presence helps to provide grounding for the film in ways that its animated source material does not.

Still, most newcomers to the “Lilo & Stitch” story will focus on precisely that—Lilo and Stitch. And they are good in this film, providing a solid base that makes this remake watchable and even enjoyable.

If that “thief of joy” comes into play, and those who love the original film begin comparing the two products, it’s fair to say things get a little more critical. While the remake is 20 minutes longer than its animated counterpart, it feels its length, as the original compressed extensive character development and comedy into a swift 85 minutes. This new version also does what so many Disney remakes do: speedrun verbatim through various plot points and humorous beats until each favorite moment from the original has lost its sparkle. Like “The Little Mermaid” before it, there is nothing that 2025’s “Lilo & Stitch” does better than the original, and it has difficulty justifying its existence.

However, as much of the audience will have little familiarity with the original, Disney presents a solid family comedy that finds time to tug at the heartstrings. When looked at without the lens of nostalgia, there’s plenty to like here, and “Lilo & Stitch” will please families who venture to the theater for a screening. Just pay no attention to the vastly superior original behind the curtain.