Things Only Adults Noticed In The Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Movie

Contains spoilers for “Lilo & Stitch”

Under the direction of Dean Fleischer Camp, the live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” is poised to be one of Disney’s most successful box office releases in years, amassing hundreds of millions of dollars at the global box office in a short span of just a few days. Fans worldwide are scrutinizing minute details in the latest film and engaging in conversations about its resemblances and differences compared to the cherished 2002 original.

It’s clear that, although some debatable adjustments have become typical in remakes, this fresh take on “Lilo & Stitch” continues the legacy of being a children’s film with deep, adult themes subtly woven throughout. Most notably, the story revolving around Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong) struggling to care for Lilo (Maia Kealoha) after their parents’ passing is a testament to this. For those keen-eyed adults, here are a few intriguing aspects that might catch your attention in the new movie.

Jumba and Pleakley’s changed appearances reflect the film’s bid for realism

In the animated series “Lilo & Stitch” and its subsequent TV and direct-to-video spin-offs, the characters Pleakley and Jumba effortlessly adapt to human society without much concern for logical explanations. They simply don a human wardrobe, add wigs, hats, or makeup, and blend in seamlessly. It’s as if no one notices that a tall, four-eyed creature and a single-eyed, tentacled being are strolling casually through the island of Kauai.

In the real-world version of “Lilo & Stitch,” characters Jumba and Pleakley disguise themselves using holographic devices, mimicking the appearances of humans they encounter on the street. This could be a way to reduce CGI usage in the film, but it also aligns with the movie’s theme. Since the story is set in the real world, having Jumba and Pleakley in poorly made human disguises would seem odd. In essence, this subtle change embodies the main purpose behind creating a live-action “Lilo & Stitch.

The vetoing of Pleakley in drag speaks to real-world culture wars

In the world of Lilo & Stitch, Pleakley is known for his peculiar choice of clothing when assuming human-like disguises, often adopting styles typically worn by women. However, in the 2025 version of Lilo & Stitch, Pleakley’s original alien form does not include any female attire, and his holographic disguise is distinctly masculine, avoiding any significant overlap with traditionally feminine clothing choices.

The change has sparked discussions about whether Disney might have considered portraying a character in a way resembling drag as too politically sensitive in 2025. These discussions gained traction when director Dean Fleischer Camp shared on TikTok that he attempted to include the character Pleakley in drag, even revealing preliminary artwork of the character with his signature wig-dress ensemble.

In a different way of saying, the original Pleakley character from Lilo & Stitch is not transgender; instead, the humor lies in his disregard for human societal norms, which includes not adhering to traditional gender-based clothing choices. However, given that Disney recently abandoned a trans storyline in the Pixar series “Win or Lose,” it’s plausible that decision-makers decided to avoid any form of gender nonconformity in the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch altogether. If this is true, it’s quite unfortunate and suggests just how far we’ve seemingly stepped back since 2002 in terms of acceptance and progress.

Despite the realism, Lilo is given a super-sized bedroom

In the animated film “Lilo & Stitch,” Lilo’s bedroom symbolizes a typical working-class home of the Pelekais family in Hawaii. It has space for a child’s bed, a moderate-sized carpet, toys, and smaller pieces of furniture. The room is spacious enough for Lilo to move around easily, but it’s not extravagantly large.

In contrast to Lilo’s animated suite, the live-action version appears significantly spacious. Considering the variation in dimensions between real-life production design and traditional cel animation, her room is portrayed as being at least thrice the size of the original. This expansiveness allows for an abundance of decorative elements, a bathroom, and a large round carpet that overshadows her bed, yet still leaves a considerable portion of the floor area untouched.

As a fan, I find myself contemplating two intriguing possibilities: Either the storyline of “Lilo & Stitch” hints that Lilo shifted to her parents’ bedroom after their demise, or the creative design team intentionally abandoned realism in favor of making Lilo’s room a cozy, aspirational space.

Nani is a more emotionally neglectful sister this time around

In the original version, Nani often appears moody and grumpy, displaying a sarcastic, world-weary demeanor towards Lilo’s actions. She is hesitant to accept Stitch for much of the movie. However, it is important to note that Nani isn’t cold or detached. On the contrary, their relationship is consistently affectionate and caring. The film suggests that Nani is well-aware of her sister’s vibrant personality, sensitive to Lilo’s unique quirks, and genuinely invested in Lilo’s passions.

As a fan, I found the live-action Nani character to carry a heavier emotional burden, exhibiting behavior more akin to a teenager overwhelmed by responsibilities. This translates into moments of absent-mindedness and a diminished interest in Lilo, often treating her as a bothersome distraction rather than a cherished sibling. For instance, she fails to accompany Lilo to the animal shelter, neglects to pay attention during Chris Sanders’ record-playing scene, and generally displays a short temper and lack of empathy towards Lilo in their shared scenes. The live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch” offers a more complex portrayal of Nani, a sister who loves Lilo deeply but is worn down by the daily challenges of caring for a six-year-old with unpredictable tendencies, and may not always be the most skilled caregiver.

Nani is also a lot more skeptical about the concept of Ohana

The phrase ‘Ohana symbolizes family, and family signifies no one is left or forgotten’ is one of the most memorable lines not just from the original movie “Lilo & Stitch”, but from all animated films in the 21st century. This idea of caring for each other and ensuring everyone is included is deeply ingrained in Lilo, Nani, and eventually Stitch. It ultimately softens Nani’s feelings and persuades her to keep Stitch despite his destructive tendencies.

In the remake of “Lilo & Stitch”, the dispute between Lilo and Nani where Lilo uses the concept of Ohana to defend Stitch remains, but with a significant twist. Unlike in the original, when Nani takes the idea of Ohana seriously as a source of strength for both her and Lilo, this time she rolls her eyes and sighs impatiently when Lilo mentions it. She then goes on to say, “I know that sounds lovely… but that’s not real life.” Here, the live-action version portrays Nani as a character who is more disillusioned and doubtful about the effectiveness of Ohana in everyday life.

Cobra Bubbles’ status as a current CIA employee changes the dynamic

In essence, Cobra Bubbles from the original “Lilo & Stitch” breaks stereotypes: His grim, formal appearance and brisk, organized manner don’t align with our usual image of a social worker. At the same time, his genuine care for Lilo and Nani, hidden behind his tough facade, continually takes us by surprise. The movie’s ending offers some insight when it is revealed that he was once a CIA agent who had even interacted with the Grand Councilwoman years ago.

In the new live-action adaptation, the role of Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) is redefined from the start by portraying him as an active CIA agent instead of his original characterization. He then assumes the position of Mrs. Kekoa’s (Tia Carrere, known for her role as Nani in “Lilo & Stitch”) superior, with the goal of getting near Stitch to facilitate capture. This job change substantially impacts the film’s dramatic structure. In this version, Bubbles initially does not care about Lilo and Nani’s wellbeing and only develops an attachment to his social worker responsibilities after interacting with the Pelekais. As a result, Bubbles becomes a more proactive character compared to his original portrayal, and he gains his own development arc—although this change may diminish some of the original character’s element of surprise and distinctiveness.

David’s relationship with Nani now feels more like a supportive platonic friendship

David is affectionate and helpful towards Lilo and Stitch in both versions of “Lilo & Stitch,” yet he openly expresses his romantic feelings for Nani in the original movie. From their first encounter at the luau, he’s immediately expressing interest by asking her out, only to be politely declined due to Nani’s busy schedule caring for Lilo and finding work. However, there is a palpable romantic undertone between them that continues throughout the film. By the end credits album montage, it becomes clear that their relationship has been gradually developing, even if they don’t officially become an item until then.

Instead of displaying a traditional romantic courtship, David (Kaipo Dudoit) and Nani in 2025’s “Lilo & Stitch” have more of a friendly dynamic. David, who is Tūtū’s grandson now, acts as a clumsy and platonic friend to Nani. In their initial on-screen encounter, he makes an attempt at flirting, but Nani doesn’t respond favorably. An earlier scene where Lilo consoles David by saying Nani likes his “butt and fancy hair” remains intact, but its original context as a rejection of David is changed. In fact, interactions between David and Nani are minimal throughout the movie, with David primarily serving as support for Nani and Lilo. However, in the closing credits montage, they are depicted kissing, suggesting that their romantic relationship may not be fully explored until later in the story.

The surfing scene now includes a Titanic reference

The scene depicting “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” featuring Stitch learning to surf in the live-action remake has undergone noticeable changes compared to the original version. While in the initial film, Stitch hesitantly follows Lilo, Nani, and David, eventually gaining confidence to appreciate the ocean’s beauty and have fun, in the new adaptation, Stitch initially shows fear but is eager about surfing from the start.

Indeed, his enthusiasm reaches a peak when he mimics a well-known cultural reference from Lilo & Stitch that wasn’t originally there. As Nani and Lilo stand behind him, Stitch strides to the edge of the surfboard and spreads out his arms in a posture similar to Jack Dawson (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) in the famous line from “Titanic”: “I’m king of the world!” This scene, though fresh when Lilo & Stitch debuted in 2002, hasn’t aged as it has become a timeless symbol of pop culture. However, with four decades of references to this scene in films and television shows, the allusion is hard to overlook in 2025.

The hose scene also throws in a spaghetti Western reference for good measure

In the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch,” the famous “king of the world” stance isn’t the only homage to cinema. There’s a scene where Stitch grabs a water hose at the resort where Nani works, and this pose is reminiscent of a distinctive one that Western audience members might recognize from classic films.

In a playful nod to spaghetti Westerns, Stitch positions himself face-down against Lilo, sporting a sly smirk, furrowed brows, and slightly apart feet. The film then zooms in on his focused expression and subsequently his hand on the “holster.” This is followed by an amusing moment where he seems to prepare to shoot a hose at Lilo, mimicking the tense standoffs of Western movies. This comedic touch not only pays homage to the original “Lilo & Stitch” and its “Godzilla” parody but also highlights Stitch’s character as an unruly yet charming outlaw. However, one might wonder how Stitch could have learned about Westerns to mimic their iconic standoffs.

There’s an understandable calculus to making Jumba the villain

Reflecting on it now, Dr. Jumba Jookiba’s role was quite a surprising twist in the narrative. Initially portrayed as a mad scientist and criminal with a menacing, antagonistic demeanor, he filled the role of an almost villain for much of the film. However, his allegiance to Stitch caused him to reconsider his priorities, eventually transforming into a character that evoked sympathy and even heroism. Given its kid-friendly nature, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is not typically associated with anti-heroes. Additionally, despite committing crimes across the galaxy, Dr. Jumba never faced any real consequences for his actions.

In the remake, it seems logical that Disney would choose to reimagine him as a more conventional villain, ending with his arrest instead of getting away scot-free. After all, turning a mischievous blue creature into a criminal is one thing, but having him switch allegiances without much explanation and becoming a hero? That’s pushing it for the family-friendly Disney of 2025. Additionally, the decision to tone down or remove Jumba’s exaggerated Eastern European accent likely stems from an effort to avoid offending viewers.

Stitch’s guilt isn’t just a result of feeling out of place

In the animated and live-action adaptations of “Lilo & Stitch,” Stitch comes to feel deeply remorseful and ashamed for causing problems for Lilo and Nani. As the story unfolds in both movies, Stitch ends up pushing himself away from his newfound family, thinking that it would be best for them if he was not around due to his destructive tendencies.

In both scenarios, the underlying theme is a societal tension within their conflict. Stitch essentially exhibits stubborn, irritable behavior like an overly temperamental pet. This suggests a deeper problem: Nani’s guardianship of Lilo being put at risk due to his largely harmless actions, which makes it difficult for her to create a positive impression on potential employers, merely because they complicate the situation.

The live-action movie underscores how Stitch unfairly assumes responsibility for a predicament he didn’t bring about. It’s telling that his moral dilemma arises at the hospital, where Nani is struggling to afford Lilo’s medical expenses without health insurance – a point emphasized by the script omitting the line in which David accuses Stitch of being the reason Nani and Lilo couldn’t “make it work.” In other words, the difficult circumstances faced by Nani and Lilo are inherently unsustainable due to the system they’re trapped in; Stitch serves as the spark that ignites a crisis that would have occurred regardless under the current economic and social structure.

The changes to Nani’s story significantly impact the movie’s themes

In the original “Lilo & Stitch”, Nani was portrayed as an ordinary working-class woman living paycheck to paycheck, much like many people in reality. Each job she held was simply a means to get by, and her life wasn’t any less engaging or worthy because of it. On the other hand, in the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch”, Nani is shown as a former child prodigy with lofty aspirations as a marine biologist. However, her role as Lilo’s caregiver has hindered her from pursuing her dreams in this field.

Making Nani a more ambitious and driven character, similar to Belle in the live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” adds depth to her character beyond her relationship with Lilo, which was not present in the original film. However, this decision to leave Hawaii for college in California significantly changes the portrayal of Nani and Lilo as a strong and loving family unit from the original movie. In the live-action version, it becomes clear that Nani isn’t a perfect caretaker for Lilo because she secretly yearns for something more. This shift has caused a divide among fans.

This film’s version of Lilo seems a lot more emotionally healthy

In my perspective, it feels like live-action Nani struggles with a life that doesn’t align with her dreams, while live-action Lilo appears to lead a life that’s more composed, particularly in terms of emotional expression. Compared to her animated self, the new movie’s Lilo maintains the same quirky, lonely, bullied, and friend-hungry persona, but she also exudes a sense of joy, stability, and maturity that was less evident in the original character.

In contrast to the original animated character, Lilo in the live-action adaptation shows remarkable resilience. She avoids outbursts of anger, has mature discussions with Nani instead of heated arguments, appears alert and capable of managing her surroundings, does not get furious at Stitch for endangering their family bond, and surprisingly supports Nani’s decision to chase her dreams away from Hawaii. This new Lilo portrayal makes it easier to imagine her taking care of herself without her older sister by her side.

2025-06-01 00:32