Post-Premiere "Lilo & Stitch" Social Opinions Promise What Could Be Disney's Best Live-Action Adaptation Yet

Some fans are lamenting the absence of one character though.

With the premiere of Lilo & Stitch now officially behind us, fans and critics alike have taken to Social Media to voice their initial thoughts on the highly-anticipated live-action remake of the 2002 original.

The general consensus appears to be that this could easily be the best in the ever-growing catalogue of animation-to-live-action remake fare from the company, marking great news for fans of the original. Others cite the performances of the cast in the film, including newcomer Maia Kealoha in the role of Lilo. Others point out the new character additions as a win, as well as calling out the great performances in the roles of the characters we already know and love, including Lilo’s older sister, Nani.

Here’s what our own Eric Goldman had to say about the new film:

Others speak highly of the new film, sure to increase the already insatiable appetite for those looking for more Stitch content, with some remarking on the look of the animated favorite injected into the real world. All seem to agree though, this is a big upgrade from the last live-action adaptation from the studio and possibly the best we’ve seen yet.

Really, the only thing negative that can be found on social media feeds regarding the new film is the surprising (depending on who you ask) absence of arguably the main antagonist of the animated original, Captain Gantu. Fans have found out this news and have taken their feelings to their devices and had their say. Here’s a small selection of G-rated comments, as bigger fans have gotten, shall we say, more emotional regarding the lack of Gantu.

  • Just like the 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch tells the funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.
  • Lilo & Stitch is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha.
  • Lilo & Stitch, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, opens exclusively in theaters May 23, 2025.

Tony Betti
Originally from California where he studied a dying artform (hand-drawn animation), Tony has spent most of his adult life in the theme parks of Orlando. When he’s not writing for LP, he’s usually watching and studying something animated or arguing about “the good ole’ days” at the parks.
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