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'Lilo & Stitch' remake breaks records, sparks controversy over characters
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May 28, 2025
The "Lilo & Stitch" remake made millions at the box office but sparked backlash over casting, plot changes, and missing characters.
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The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch helped fuel a record-breaking Memorial Day box office
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pulling in over $183 million domestically and $341 million worldwide. But despite these blockbuster numbers, not everyone is sold on the final product
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The original Lilo & Stitch released in 2002 and quickly became a beloved Disney classic
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known for its quirky characters, and catchy, heartfelt storyline. The live-action version was first announced in 2018
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but after several pandemic-era delays and the Hollywood actor strike, it finally hit screens this year
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When filmmakers cast Sidney Agudong as Lilo's sister, Nani, the choice sparked colorism concerns
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Agudong is from Hawaii, but her lighter skin tone drew criticism compared to the original Nani's darker complexion
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Critics said things like, there are so many Hawaiian women who would have been a better fit for Nani
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And Disney casting a half white light girl as Nani in Lilo Stitch is my villain origin Criticism surrounded the film both leading up to its release and after opening weekend with fans also taking issue with other
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character changes. In the original film, the alien character Pleakley often wore women's clothing and
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wigs, a touch many fans loved for its humor and progressive vibe. But the live-action version
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ditches that and Pleakley appears only in masculine clothing. According to Screen Rant
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this may have been a move to avoid potential controversy. But one of the most talked about changes involves Nani, who instead of fighting to keep her family
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together, gives up custody of Lilo to go to college. Fans say this undercuts one of the
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original film's core themes, think Ohana means family and... Family means nobody gets left behind
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Regardless of the controversy, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman told the Wall Street Journal on May 20th that a part two live action remake could be in the works
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and Memorial Day weekend's box office numbers could further support that idea
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With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more
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