REMAKING a cult classic is no small task—especially when the original is beloved by many.

Such is the case with Lilo & Stitch. When Disney announced a live-action adaptation, fans were intrigued. Excitement buzzed, but so did a quiet anxiety: could the new version capture the same heart, humor, and emotional depth that made the animated film so unforgettable?

Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the advanced screening last May 17 at the Mall of Asia cinema. I know Lilo & Stitch, watched it and the spin-off series when I was a kid, but if I’m truly being honest, I vaguely remember it. Just snippets—Lilo being a bit of a loner, Stitch causing chaos, and that one line about ‘ohana’. 

That’s about it.

So I was surprised—relieved, even—that the live-action remake didn’t just hold up. It actually helped me remember. 

Watching it felt like experiencing the story again for the first time. 

Meet the New Ohana

For someone making their debut in a live-action remake as high-profile as Lilo & Stitch, the pressure on Maiah Kealoha’s performance was undoubtedly intense. 

But there’s little reason to worry—Kealoha delivers a standout portrayal, capturing Lilo’s quirky spirit, emotional depth, and that unmistakable mix of childish naivete and innocent humor. 

She brings authenticity to the role. Her look and mannerisms fit perfectly, helping to bring the beloved character to life in a way that feels both fresh and faithful to the original.

Sydney Agudong as Nani— Lilo’s elder sister— also does a great job. 

While there are some differences from the animated version, the live-action remake takes the opportunity to add new layers to her character. 

Instead of just being the responsible island girl looking after her little sister, we get to see more of Nani’s own dreams and struggles—her desire for something beyond just making ends meet. This adds a bit more depth and makes her feel more like a fully realized person, not just a caretaker.

The live-action remake also introduces some new characters and expands on others who had smaller roles in the original. 

For example, the social worker—who in this version was once a CIA agent—is given a fuller story arc and a more prominent role, adding an unexpected twist to the story. 

Then there’s Mrs. Kekoa, the empathetic social worker who helps Nani navigate her challenges, and Tutu, the warm-hearted neighbor who considers Nani and Lilo part of her own ohana. 

These additions enrich the community surrounding the sisters, highlighting both the theme of chosen family and the strong sense of communal spirit that defines Hawaiian culture.

The only thing I really lament is the absence of Captain Gantu. 

In the original animated film, he was the main villain for Lilo and Stitch. 

But in the live-action remake, that dynamic shifts, Jumba Jookiba played more of a secondary role, balancing between antagonist and comic relief. 

It’s an interesting change, but I missed the presence and tension that Gantu brought. 

On CGI

The CGI versions of Jumba, Pleakley, and Stitch stayed fairly faithful to their animated counterparts. 

However, for most of the film, the humorous duo of Jumba and Pleakley were portrayed by real actors—Zach Galifianakis as Jumba and Billy Magnussen as Pleakley—which added a different dynamic to their characters.

Stitch’s CGI design doesn’t stray far from the animated original—and that’s a good thing. What stood out most in the live-action adaptation were the added textures that brought the characters to life. Stitch’s fur, for instance, looked surprisingly realistic, almost like that of a scruffy little dog.

As for Jumba and Pleakley, I can see why the film chose to give them human disguises. It’s a matter of logic. Keeping their alien forms, as in the animated version, would’ve made it difficult to explain how they could blend in with the local community. The choice makes sense in a world that leans more grounded, even while telling a story as fantastical as this.

Heartstrings Attached

The animated Lilo & Stitch has long been celebrated for its emotional core. Beneath the fun, quirky characters, the vibrant Hawaiian setting, and its humor, the story is really about family—the struggles, the love, and the imperfect bonds that keep people connected. 

And I was so glad that the live-action remake leaned heavily into the same heart. While some things have changed along the way, the film does a good job of translating those core feelings to the screen.

I found myself teary-eyed more than once—watching Nani say goodbye to Lilo with the promise they’d meet again, seeing Stitch leave the family to keep them safe, and witnessing Stitch’s ultimate sacrifice, falling to the bottom of the ocean so Nani could save Lilo.

Being there with my sister, who was about to turn 15 and is right in that awkward space between childhood and adulthood, added another layer to the experience. 

It reminded me that the meaning of family evolves as we grow, but the need for connection and understanding never really fades. 

This movie captures that balance in a way that feels genuine and resonant, no matter your age.

Did they get it right? 

It’s hard to judge a live-action remake fairly when you already have a soft spot for the original. And sure, this one probably won’t replace the animated film in anyone’s heart—but honestly, I’m glad I didn’t remember much of it. 

Forgetting the details gave the live-action version room to stand on its own. It allowed me to appreciate what it was trying to do, instead of constantly comparing it to what came before.

Watching the live-action also made me reevaluate my own perspective on family—how it felt when I was a child versus how I understand it now as an adult. 

Living far from my family for work, I’ve come to grasp the true meaning of sacrifice, which is a core theme of the movie. 

The idea that you make sacrifices for the people you love, even when it’s hard, hit me in a way that felt very real. 

And even though family can be broken and imperfect, you learn to make it your own.