The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch now has its first official trailer, offering fans a first look at how this beloved 2002 animated story will look in its live-action version. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, the movie will hit theaters on May 23, 2025.
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The trailer, released this Wednesday on social media, transports us back to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where the little Lilo (played by Maia Kealoha) expresses her desire to find a friend to share her life with.
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In a particularly emotional scene, Lilo is seen looking up at the sky while whispering, “I wish for a friend. A best friend,” a moment that precedes Stitch’s arrival in her life. Just like in the animated film, the bond between Lilo and Stitch is built upon the Hawaiian concept of ‘ohana, which means family. “Sometimes, family is not perfect. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good,” expresses Lilo in the trailer, reaffirming the central message of the story.
Stitch, chaos, and the relationship with Lilo
Just like in the original version, Stitch quickly shows his chaotic nature. In the trailer, he can be seen unleashing his mischief all over the island: from crashing a golf cart to destroying a sandcastle and throwing a CD at a speeding car. The trailer’s music, which includes songs like “You’re the Devil in Disguise” by Elvis Presley and “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” highlights the character’s disobedient attitude.
The young actress Maia Kealoha, who plays Lilo, makes her film debut with this role. After being selected through an extensive audition process, Kealoha couldn’t believe the news: “When I found out I was going to be Lilo, I was left speechless, I couldn’t believe it,” she told PEOPLE in an interview. “I called my dad and said, ‘I did it, I did it! I’m Lilo!’”
A brilliant cast and the recreation of Stitch in CGI
The movie cast features several talented actors bringing the characters to life, such as Sydney Agudong, who plays Nani, Lilo’s older sister. Kaipo Dudoit portrays David, Nani’s close friend, and Courtney B. Vance brings to life Cobra Bubbles, the social worker who plays an important role in the plot.
Chris Sanders, who voiced Stitch in the animated version, returns to reprise his role in this new live-action version. Zach Galifianakis plays the eccentric Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen portrays Agent Pleakley, while Hannah Waddingham voices the Grand Councilwoman of the Galactic Federation.
One of the biggest challenges of this adaptation has been the recreation of Stitch in CGI. Unlike other animated characters in other Disney movies, such as the dwarfs in Snow White, the live-action version of Stitch remains faithful to the original design.