Lilo & Stitch Remake: director reveals excitement for iconic character comeback

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The following contains spoilers for Lilo & Stitch.

In a recent discussion, the director of Lilo & Stitch shares which character he was most eager to reintroduce in the live-action remake. Originally released as an animated movie in 2002, Dean Fleischer Camp’s Disney adaptation is now showing in cinemas, showcasing beloved characters from Lilo & Stitch, such as Lilo (Maia Kealoha), Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), Nani (Sydney Agudong), Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), Cobra (Courtney B. Vance), and the Grand Council Woman (Hannah Waddingham).

In a chat with Ash Crossan from ScreenRant, Camp shared which character he was thrilled about bringing to the silver screen. Surprisingly, it wasn’t just the Ice Cream Man that excited him, but the Grand Council Woman was particularly challenging to create, due to her influential role in the film’s initial scene. Here’s what he had to say:

[Director’s Comment]

The whole thing left me feeling quite daunted. [laughs] However, I must say, the ice cream vendor was truly captivating. I found myself drawn to him, especially because of the joy I experienced in bringing everything together. But what particularly intrigued me was the Grand Council Woman’s character design. It is stunningly beautiful in its original form and presented a unique challenge in translating it from our animated space opening into live action scenes later. This added a level of difficulty, but I must admit, her intimidating presence is something I admire greatly.

What Dean Fleischer Camp’s Comment Means For Lilo & Stitch

Camp Was Passionate About Bringing Ice Cream Man To The Big Screen

In the original film, a character known as the Ice Cream Man, who was known for his sunglasses and ice cream cone, often had his ice cream drop before he could eat it in a recurring joke. In contrast, the 2025 live-action adaptation introduces a different version of this character named the Shave Ice Man (played by Ethan Suplee), who appears to have a distinct look from his counterpart seen in “Lilo & Stitch.

As a movie reviewer, I must say that since the live-action adaptation of “The Ice Cream Man” hit the silver screen, there has been no shortage of opinions on the character designs. Yet, it’s clear from Camp’s insights that the creative team behind this project is brimming with enthusiasm for the original animated series and eager to breathe life into as many beloved characters as they can.

The grandeur and weight of the Grand Council Woman’s design serve as a testament to the immense challenges the creative team encountered during production, demonstrating that their task was no simple scoop of ice cream on a stick – it was a mountainous endeavor requiring skill, determination, and a whole lot of patience.

Our Take On The Ice Cream Man’s Design

It’s Different, But Not Without A Reason

In the film, the Ice Cream Man appears multiple times, and it’s understandable why they transformed him into Shave Ice Man. It’s quite evident that filming an entire ice cream melt or slide off its cone could pose challenges. Instead, shaved ice is simpler to drop. Given the live-action setting of the movie, the character in the comedic sequence should blend seamlessly with the realism, and shaving ice is a more suitable choice for that purpose.

The absence of bold text or sunglasses for the Shave Ice Man character makes him seem more authentic, despite alterations from the original story. On the other hand, the design of the Grand Council’s Woman is striking and enchanting, remarkably true to the animation. With a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the critically acclaimed Lilo & Stitch exceeds expectations.

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2025-05-24 02:33