Disney’s eagerly anticipated live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch has finally given fans their first glimpse of Stitch in action. And while it’s exciting, the result might feel a tad off for some.
Just days ago, we saw a preview of another cherished animated classic, How to Train Your Dragon, set for a live-action transformation. Now, Disney is following suit with this beloved story. The 30-second teaser, released yesterday by the entertainment giant, primarily features Stitch channeling his inner Godzilla—he’s seen causing chaos by demolishing a sandcastle that’s whimsically designed to mimic the iconic Disney castle, along with other, more typical sandcastles. The teaser doesn’t offer much more context, aside from a quick clip where the CGI character interacts with a blank background bearing the film’s release date: May 23, 2025. It’s definitely a minimalist introduction!
For those familiar with the original movie, the new official description should sound quite familiar. It emphasizes the heartwarming bond between a lonely girl named Lilo and her unusual pet, Stitch—a dog-like alien crafted for destruction. Fans will be pleased to know that Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch, while directing responsibilities are handed over to Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his work on Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
When it comes to casting, new face Maia Kealoha steps into the role of Lilo. She’ll be joined by Sydney Agudong, who plays her older sister, Nani. Meanwhile, Zach Galifianakis, of The Hangover fame, lends his voice to Jumba. Billy Magnussen steps in for Pleakley, and Hannah Waddingham, known from Ted Lasso, is also part of the cast, likely taking on the role of the Grand Councilwoman, though that’s yet to be confirmed.
With less than a year left until the movie debuts, expect a more detailed trailer soon. Until then, Disney is set to capture audiences this holiday season with the release of Moana 2, coming out this week. There’s no doubt they’re aiming to win both hearts and box office numbers with this lineup!
