The “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake premiered on May 23, 2025, introducing this Hawaiian story to new generations and giving millennials and zoomers a nostalgic vibe. But this version is not copying the original frame by frame! It actually introduced a few changes (some sparking online controversy, others provoking disappointment).
Let’s break down the top 3 biggest changes:
1. Captain Gantu is out, and Jumba goes full bad guy
In the 2002 animated classic, Captain Gantu was the bad guy tasked with capturing Stitch. He was serious, intimidating, and added intrigue to the plot. But in the live-action remake, Gantu is nowhere to be found. Instead, Jumba—the eccentric scientist who created Stitch—steps up as the main villain. This twist shifts the tone, giving viewers a lot to talk about online. While it adds a new layer to Jumba’s character, fans of the original are missing Gantu.
Captain Gantu will not appear in the live-action ‘LILO & STITCH’ remake. pic.twitter.com/r0CwkKEOzm
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) May 18, 2025
2. Pleakley’s disguise got a makeover—no wigs, no dresses, no drag
One of the most memorable and beloved quirks from the animated film was Pleakley’s undercover looks—specifically, his preference for women’s clothing while on Earth. In the live-action version, Pleakley (played by Billy Magnussen) still wears quirky fashion, but the drag style is gone. Director Dean Fleischer Camp has confirmed that he wanted to include drag-Pleakley, even sharing concept art with a wig and all. But it didn’t make the final cut.
so, no crossdressing Pleakley, Jumba's accent gone, completely removed Gantu, its kinda like the ship of Theseus, if you change so many of the original details that made it memorable, is it even Lilo and Stitch????? https://t.co/QIzyMJ3B3M
— ★ Doof (@doofazoid) May 22, 2025
3. Familiar voices, new roles, and a new neighbor
The remake sweetly honors its roots by bringing back two original voice actors—but in brand-new roles. Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, now plays Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker trying to guide Nani. Meanwhile, Amy Hill, who voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the original, returns as Tūtū, a newly created character who serves as David’s grandma and a neighbor in the community. This character becomes close to Lilo and Nani, having the role of a mom for both of them.
— tia carrere, a native hawaiian actress of filipino descent known for her roles as cassandra wong from wayne’s world & nani from the lilo & stitch franchise. a young tia in the 1990s. 🌺🎸 ⋆｡‧˚ 🩵ིྀ ˚‧｡⋆ pic.twitter.com/HVQQUCSUDA
— ꫂ ၴႅၴ. (@filmsbratz) April 3, 2025
