Disney’s newest live-action remake, “Lilo & Stitch,” premiered in theatres May 23, following the iconic duo.
The new film is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s infamous 2002 film about a little girl and her new alien friend. The little girl, Lilo, is played by Maia Kealoha, and Stitch, the extra-terrestrial, is voiced by Chris Sanders, who is the voice actor for Stitch in the original film. Stitch’s physical character in the movie is made by Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI).
After escaping from Planet Turo, which is also the planet where he was originally created by Dr. Jumba Jookiba, who is played by Zach Galifianakis, Stitch finds himself on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Lilo, being a lonely orphan girl who was raised by her older sister, ends up finding Stitch and takes him in as her own new pet, despite him being a fugitive from space. Throughout the film, Lilo always keeps close to her belief in Ohana, which is Hawaiian for family, and ultimately helps give Stitch the ability to care for others.
Other pivotal roles include Lilo’s older sister, Nani, played by Sydney Agudong; Nani’s boyfriend David, played by Kaipo Dudoit; and Cobra Bubbles, played by Courtney B. Vance. The character of David sparked controversy early in production as the original actor cast by Disney was found to have posted racial slurs in the past, leading to his termination and, henceforth, recasting.
Many fans of the original film are excited to see the classic come back to life with new technology and for a new generation, but many others are skeptical of how a live action Stitch can convey the character. Since “Lilo & Stitch” is just another of Disney’s many remakes, some worry if this movie will work, or if it will fall into the category of other failed Disney live-action films. Similarly, the CGI character has posed concerns, with some people indicating that it does not exude the same comfort and fun that the animation does.
While skepticism will remain until the film’s release, either proving fans right or wrong, they will undoubtedly be taken on a “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” through the iconic film.
