What is the Lilo and Stitch live-action release date?It made waves in 2002 by raking in good money at the box office, and quickly becoming a favourite movie for many Disney fans young and old — needless to say, the original Lilo and Stitch is a highlight in their animated catalogue.
One of the best 2000s movies, the original follows Lilo, a young girl being raised by her struggling sister. The film tackled some heavy subjects and wasn't afraid to get messy, but the chosen-family theme at the centre of one of Disney's best animated movies held everything together beautifully. It's heartwarming, sad in places, and cheeky — a winning formula for many of the best family movies.
Good or bad news, depending on how you feel about Disney live-action remakes, a Lilo and Stitch live-action movie is in the works. Following the box office success of previous films in the same vein, it's no shock the Mouse wants to drain this well. Likely to release theatrically and stream on Disney Plus (the studio's answer to competing streaming services) here's everything we know about the Lilo and Stitch live-action release date.
Lilo and Stitch live-action release date speculation
There is no confirmed Lilo and Stitch live-action release date, but drawing on production patterns of similar movies, mid to late 2024, is as good a guess as any. The Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi is where the original was set. The location had a huge part to play in its tone and story, so it would make sense for this live-action remake to be a summer movie.
Previous live-action remakes released have often been in the March-May window. But it's also worth noting the Snow White release date is currently slated for March, which may push Lilo and Stitch further out.
That being said, in recent years, sunny movies with lots of water such as James Cameron's Avatar The Way of Water and the DCU movie Aquaman have done really well with December release dates, likely due to audiences wanting to be whisked away out of the cold.
Lilo and Stitch live-action plot speculation
While there may be some changes, this is a remake of the original movie and will almost certainly have the same plot.
Writers working on the script and Dean Fleischer Camp who directed one of the best movies of the last few years, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, have not clarified what will or won't be changed. But if Disney's track record is anything to go by, the plot is likely to follow the original story beats with a change to the visuals and perhaps some additions, such as added musical numbers like in 2019's remake of one of the best fantasy movies with Aladdin.
In the animated movie, Stitch crash lands on Earth and is adopted as a pet 'dog' by Lilo and her sister, Nani. The furry blue alien causes chaos initially but eventually proves himself to be a valued member of their household unit. Expect to see these plot points again.
Lilo and Stitch live-action cast speculation
Maia Kealoha is Lilo and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong is Nani in the Lilo and Stitch live-action cast.
Kahiau Machado was cast as David Kawena, a love interest for Nani and a friend to Stitch, but he was replaced with Kaipo Dudoit before shooting began.
Zach Galifianakis is attached to star and will be playing the evil alien genius Jumba, while Billy Magnussen will be playing his government minder Pleakley. Chris Sanders, who voiced Stitch in the animated movie, is reportedly returning as well.
Lilo and Stitch cast list speculation:
- Maia Kealoha as Lilo
- Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani
- Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena
- Chris Sanders as Stitch
- Tia Carrere as Mrs Kekoa
- Amy Hill as Tūtū
- Zach Galifianakis as Jumba
- Billy Magnussen as Pleakley
That is currently all we know about the remake. 2002's Lilo and Stitch is a valued movie, so we can only hope Disney approaches it with love and care — in the hands of a talented director like Fleischer Camp, there may be nothing to worry about.
For more nostalgia, see our guides to the best Disney movies, all of the Disney villains ranked, or, as Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear would say, reach for the stars with all the new movies coming our way.