Alright, Disney has officially pressed the “live-action remake” button on one of Gen Z’s most chaotic comfort movies, Lilo & Stitch. Yep, our favorite Elvis-loving alien and emotionally complex girl are back, but this time in 4K HD with real waves, real tears, and a CGI Stitch that’s… honestly kinda cute? But let’s be real: remaking a movie with this much weird, wild heart is a risky game. So, did Disney pull it off, or should they have just left our blue bestie alone?
Lilo 2.0: Still That Girl?
The new Lilo (played by Maia Kealoha) serves big main character energy. She’s still weird in all the right ways, feeding Pudge the fish, throwing hands at bullies, and monologuing about the weather. The difference? She feels a little more grounded. There’s less cartoony chaos and more quiet sadness, which honestly hits harder in 2025’s emotionally aware world. Gen Z’s been to therapy, and this version of Lilo feels like she has too.
CGI Stitch: Cute or Creepy?
Let’s talk about the alien in the room. Stitch, now fully CGI, had the internet in a chokehold during the trailer drop; half the people wanted to adopt him, the other half wanted to delete him. But in the full movie? He works. He’s fuzzy, expressive, and still a menace with a heart. Think: gremlin energy meets Baby Yoda charm. The action scenes pop, the comedic timing lands, and yes, he still bites things. We love that for him.
Nani’s Glow-Up & Gen Z Sisterhood
Nani in 2025 is everything. Played by Sydney Agudong, she’s not just “Lilo’s older sister who’s trying her best”; she’s a whole mood. Burned out, scared, protective, and still rocking that big sister tough-love-meets-soft-heart combo. Their dynamic feels even more raw and real this time, and the sibling moments? Prepare to cry in the hall (or, you know, your couch).
Hawaii, But Make It Real
The live-action setting brings the island of Kaua’i to life. Lush backdrops, sunset surf scenes, and actual Hawaiian culture woven in more intentionally, it’s not just a vibe, it’s respectful and gorgeous. Plus, the inclusion of more Native Hawaiian voices (both in the cast and creative team) makes this version feel way more authentic than some of Disney’s past efforts.
New Music, Same Aloha Spirit
Yes, the Elvis songs are still here (phew), but they’ve added fresh tracks too, some ukulele-backed indie-pop and Hawaiian-language covers that hit different. The soundtrack is like a Spotify playlist you’d cry to at 2 AM while texting your ex, “ohana means family.”
Plot Tweaks? Yeah, But They’re Not Bad
There are a few updates, like deeper backstories, slightly slower pacing, and a more tech-savvy Earth response to the whole “alien crash lands in Hawaii” thing, but it never loses the soul of the original. If anything, it feels like a grown-up cousin of the 2002 version: same heart, more layers.
Final Thoughts: Does It Deliver?
Lilo & Stitch (2025) doesn’t try to replace the OG; it knows better. Instead, it reintroduces the story with more depth, more emotion, and a little less chaos. It’s not perfect (some of the comedy gets lost in translation), but it’s heartfelt, beautifully acted, and honestly? Way better than most live-action remakes. Gen Z needed this messy, healing, alien-infused story again, and Disney finally got one mostly right.
TL;DR:
- Lilo is still iconic
- Stitch is still unhinged
- Hawaii looks GORGEOUS
- You will cry
- Soundtrack = vibes
- Worth watching? 100% yes
