"Lilo & Stitch," Disney's latest live-action remake, has been revealed to select members of the press, and the first reactions to the film are overwhelmingly positive. Critic Wendy Lee Szany wrote on X, "Lilo and Stitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors." More from Variety VFX Workers on 'Avatar,' Marvel and Disney Projects Ratify IATSE Contracts Disney and Old Navy Team Up on Limited-Edition Americana Collection: Shop the Best Pieces Here Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro Predicts Universal's Epic Universe Will Actually Drive More Disney World Visitors Journalist Laura Sirikul wrote on X, "Lilo and Stitch was heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a STAR! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they'd be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet." The original "Lilo & Stitch" was released in 2002, making this the most recent animated movie that Disney has turned into live-action and the first from the 2000s. Both movies follow a young, lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo who finds an adorable, blue and chaotic alien she names Stitch. With her big sister Nani, Lilo raises Stitch and teaches him the meaning of family, or "ohana." The cast includes Maia Kealoha as Lilo; Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani; Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Stitch's alien creator who comes looking for him; Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley; Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles; Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman; and the original movie's co-director and co-writer Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch. Tia Carrere, who was the original voice of Nani, is also back playing a social worker this time around. The first "Lilo & Stitch" was a box office success and grossed $273 million worldwide from an $80 million budget. It was nominated for best animated feature at the Academy Awards, but lost to "Spirited Away." It went on to spawn several sequels, TV shows and video games thanks to Stitch's popularity with kids. Read some of the first reactions below: #LiloandStitchis a cute reimagining that mostly captures the original's spirit through a modern-day lens. Lilo and Nani's relationship feels even more heartfelt. It's still raw, real, and central to the story's emotional core. Of course Stitch brings hilarious chaos.pic.twitter.com/lYh5POQ5As — iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee)May 18, 2025 #LiloAndStitchis PURE DISNEY MAGIC! It's a story about loss, friendship, & ohana, told in a way that's both fun and deeply touching. You'll laugh, you'll cry & Stitch will completely steal your heart. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is a breakout star in a story that delivers HEARTWARMING…pic.twitter.com/xNxvSyqjJn — Anthony Gagliardi (@AJGaliardi)May 18, 2025 #LiloAndStitchis the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet. Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It's also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making…pic.twitter.com/zA3i722bx1 — Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz)May 18, 2025 #LiloandStitchis the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors.pic.twitter.com/llyEvFBNfM — Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany)May 18, 2025 #LiloandStitchis the best live-action remake of a Disney animated film by far! The casting features returning and new actors, and they were all solid. The story is very close to the original and will for sure make fans happy. Elvis music and the classic songs are back.pic.twitter.com/Sr4ZzOeMvC — John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300)May 18, 2025 #LiloandStitchwas heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a STAR! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they'd be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet. — Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul)May 18, 2025 Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
