Lilo & Stitch (2025): Release Date, Cast, and Everything We Know

The beloved Disney classic Lilo & Stitch (2002) is getting a live-action remake, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of Experiment 626! Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, this new adaptation promises to blend heartfelt storytelling, sci-fi action, and stunning visual effects, bringing the Hawaiian paradise of Kauaʻi to life like never before.

With an all-star cast, a faithful yet modernized story, and Disney’s signature magic, here’s everything you need to know about Lilo & Stitch (2025) before it hits theaters!

📅 Release Date and Where to Watch

🗓️ Release Date: Lilo & Stitch is set to premiere in the United States on May 23, 2025.

🎥 Theatrical or Streaming? Unlike some of Disney’s recent live-action remakes (Peter Pan & Wendy, Pinocchio), which debuted on Disney+, this film will be released in theaters first, making it a big-screen spectacle.

🌺 The Story: A Tale of Ohana, Aliens, and Adventure

The 2025 remake follows the same heartfelt premise as the original film:

A lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo forms a special bond with Stitch, a mischievous, dog-like alien genetically engineered for destruction. As Lilo teaches Stitch about love, family, and ohana ("nobody gets left behind"), they must escape intergalactic forces, a relentless social worker, and the chaos Stitch brings into their lives.

However, the remake will introduce some differences:

✔️ Lilo’s Parents Have Been Gone for Several Years – Unlike the animated film, where their death was more recent, this version will show Lilo hiding her grief through her relentless, fun-loving optimism.

✔️ A New Character, Tūtū – Played by Amy Hill, Tūtū is a neighborly grandmother and the first prominent elderly Native Hawaiian character in the series.

✔️ Lilo & Nani's Struggles Are Expanded – The film explores Nani's intense pressures as Lilo’s guardian, her academic ambitions, and the threat of child protective services taking Lilo away.

🎭 Cast and Characters: A Mix of New & Familiar Faces

🌊 Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai – The heart of the film, Maia is a newcomer making her acting debut as Lilo, the quirky, imaginative, and fiercely independent little girl.

🔵 Chris Sanders as the Voice of Stitch – The original co-creator and voice actor of Stitch returns, ensuring Stitch keeps his iconic raspy voice and lovable chaos.

🏄‍♀️ Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai – Lilo’s older sister and guardian, balancing school, work, and protecting Lilo from being taken away by CPS.

👓 Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba – The mad scientist who created Stitch, adding a touch of comedy and chaos to the story.

🛸 Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley – The quirky, one-eyed alien disguised as an "Earth expert", sent to track down Stitch.

🔥 Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena – Nani’s love interest and a kind-hearted surfer, who helps Lilo and Nani navigate their struggles.

👩‍💼 Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles – The serious yet well-meaning social worker investigating Lilo’s living situation.

👑 Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman – The powerful leader of the United Galactic Federation, who orders Stitch’s capture.

🎭 Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa – Originally the voice of Nani in the 2002 film, Carrere now plays a strict yet compassionate social worker.

👵 Amy Hill as Tūtū – A warm and wise grandmother figure to Lilo and Nani, offering support and humor.

🎬 Behind the Scenes: Disney’s Latest Live-Action Experiment

🎥 Director: Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021), brings his expertise in blending animation with heartfelt storytelling.

🖊️ Screenwriters: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes aim to create a faithful yet fresh take on Lilo & Stitch.

🎶 Music: Dan Romer, known for his work on Luca (2021), will compose the film’s score, likely including Elvis Presley songs from the original.

💡 Live-Action Meets CGI: Stitch and other aliens will be CGI characters, combining real actors and digital effects to bring the sci-fi elements to life.

🌟 What Can Fans Expect?

✅ A Respectful and Authentic Hawaiian Representation

Disney faced criticism for previous live-action films misrepresenting cultures (Mulan, Aladdin), but Lilo & Stitch (2025) is being carefully crafted with authentic Hawaiian casting and cultural accuracy.

✅ A Blend of Heartfelt Moments & Sci-Fi Comedy

Fans can expect laugh-out-loud humor from Stitch’s mischief, tear-jerking family moments, and spectacular alien action sequences.

✅ A Theatrical Experience

Unlike other Disney live-action remakes that went straight to Disney+, this film is getting a full theatrical release, proving Disney’s confidence in its success.

🎥 Will This Remake Live Up to the Original?

Disney has had mixed results with its live-action remakes—while films like The Jungle Book (2016) and Aladdin (2019) succeeded, others like Mulan (2020) and The Lion King (2019) received criticism for lacking heart.

💭 Can Lilo & Stitch (2025) avoid this fate? With its authentic casting, heartfelt storytelling, and return of Chris Sanders as Stitch, this remake has the potential to be one of Disney’s best live-action adaptations yet.

✨ Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Disney Fans?

With its May 23, 2025 release date, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is shaping up to be:

✅ A nostalgic yet fresh take on a beloved classic.

✅ A visually stunning mix of live-action and CGI.

✅ A heartfelt story about family, loss, and finding where you belong.

✅ One of Disney’s biggest theatrical releases of 2025.

🔥 Are you excited for Lilo & Stitch (2025)? Will it capture the magic of the original? Let us know in the comments!