Get ready for adorable chaos! The announcement of Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” has fans of all ages cheering for the return of their favorite, albeit mischievous, blue extraterrestrial. At StreamSafely, we’re just as excited to share everything there is to know about this brand-new film, from its stellar cast to behind-the-scenes production details that make this live-action adaptation one of the most eagerly awaited releases on Disney’s upcoming slate.
With its established popularity and younger target demographic, the upcoming live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch” is exactly the type of film that often becomes a target for piracy sites. StreamSafely remains committed to protecting viewers from the dangerous piracy sites that not only distribute content illegally but also expose users to malware, identity theft, and other cybersecurity threats. While we can’t try bad actors in intergalactic court, we can help you recognize common red flags of piracy sites so you and your whole family can enjoy this Disney classic safely.
Ready to jump in? Hold onto your hula skirts — it’s about to get interstellar!
Everything You Should Know Before Seeing Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch
The original “Lilo & Stitch” animated film, released in 2002, is one of Disney’s most unique and heartwarming creations of the early 2000s. Written and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, the film tells the touching story of a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts what she believes is a dog and names him Stitch. However, Stitch is actually an escaped alien experiment that crash-landed on Earth. Lilo and her older sister, Nani, have more than their hands full trying to housebreak this strong, rambunctious, and mischievous threat to intergalactic security.
The film was distinctive for its traditional watercolor backgrounds — a technique Disney hadn’t used since “Dumbo” in 1941. This style paid tribute to the studio’s earliest films but contrasted sharply against the highly detailed and structured backgrounds of Disney’s Renaissance-era films of the 1990s. So while “Lilo & Stitch” paid homage to the past, it also moved the studio into brand-new waters in more ways than one.
The character design in “Lilo & Stitch” was also a significant departure from the Disney norm. Character designer Chris Sanders (who also co-directed and voiced Stitch) developed a distinctive rounded style with softer shapes and fewer sharp angles than was typical of Disney characters at the time. Human characters like Lilo and Nani featured more realistic body proportions, moving away from the idealized figures common in Disney’s princesses. This more grounded style helped emphasize the film’s themes of real-world challenges and family dynamics, setting it apart from the fairy tale narratives that Disney had been known for.
Upon its release, the original film was both a commercial and critical success, grossing over $273 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. It received praise for its emotional depth, authentic Hawaiian cultural representation, and the poignant themes of family. Who could forget the film’s famous quote: “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten?” The movie’s success greenlit three direct-to-video sequels: “Stitch! The Movie” (2003), “Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch” (2005), and “Leroy & Stitch” (2006). It also launched a TV show, “Lilo & Stitch: The Series,” which ran from 2003 to 2007.
In October 2018, Disney first announced plans for a live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch,” joining the studio’s growing roster of animated-to-live-action remakes that have included “The Lion King”(2019), “Aladdin” (2019), and “Beauty and the Beast” (2017). After several years of development, production details began to emerge more concretely in late 2022, with filming taking place in Hawaii to capture the authentic setting that was so central to the original film’s identity.
While maintaining the core story of the unlikely friendship between a lonely girl and a mischievous alien, the new adaptation uses modern CGI technology to bring Stitch to life. The studio introduced fans to the new version of the character in a D23 promo and later in a 2025 Super Bowl LIX ad.
Dean Fleischer Camp
Director Dean Fleischer Camp established himself as an innovative filmmaker with a gift for blending animation with live-action elements. He gained widespread recognition for his Academy Award-nominated film, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (2022), which began as a series of short films and was later developed into a full-length movie. Camp’s background in both comedy and emotional storytelling makes him a great choice to capture the blend of humor, heart, and Hawaiian culture that made the original “Lilo & Stitch” so beloved.
Movie Plot
When a destructive alien experiment crash-lands in Hawaii, he’s unexpectedly mistaken for a dog and adopted by Lilo, a spirited young girl struggling to find her place in the world. As intergalactic pursuers and local social services close in on this unusual pair, what began as a convenient hiding place for Stitch transforms into something he never expected to find: a home.
Genre
Like its original animated predecessor, “Lilo & Stitch” 2025 is expected to be a family-friendly blend of Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi. Funny, chaotic, and sentimental, the new film is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.
Runtime
No official runtime has been given for the new “Lilo & Stitch” movie. However, the original animated film was 1 hour and 25 minutes, and Disney live-action remakes are usually in excess of 2 hours, with “The Little Mermaid” (2023) being the longest to date at 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Rating
Like most other Disney live-action remakes, “Lilo & Stitch” is expected to have a PG rating.
Theatrical Release Date
The live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch” will crash-land into theaters on May 23, 2025.
Streaming Options
The new film will be released exclusively in theaters. As a Disney property, it is expected to be available on Disney+ after its theatrical run. You can enjoy the original “Lilo and Stitch” on Disney+ now.
While Disney+ content is often included in other streaming bundles, especially with Hulu, stick to well-known, household-name streaming providers. Platforms that you haven’t previously heard of that claim to offer Disney content are likely fraudulent and could pose significant risks to your online data and security. If you’re unsure, you can always consult StreamSafely’s comprehensive movie database for up-to-date recommendations on legal streaming providers. We also provide 100% free, legal alternatives, so you can find tons of your favorite content without having to reach for your wallet.
Lilo and Stitch 2025 Official Trailer
Get your surfboard ready and join Lilo and Stitch in their new, live-action Hawaiian adventure. Watch the latest official teaser now!
Cast & Crew
Chris Sanders, the original voice of Stitch and director of the first film, is returning to voice the mischievous alien in the live-action remake. Sanders is known widely for his writing credits, including on works like “How To Train Your Dragon” (2010), “The Wild Robot” (2023), and “The Croods” (2013), where he also lent his vocal talents as the Guy’s pet sloth, Belt.
Seven-year-old Maia Kealoha is joining the cast as Lilo herself. Native to Hawaii and born on the Big Island, this is Kealoha’s first onscreen role, and we at StreamSafely couldn’t be more excited for her!
Rounding out the cast is Zach Galifianakis as the bumbling but brilliant scientist Jumbo and Billy Magnussen as Pleakley. Galifianakis is no stranger to comedy and family films alike, with blockbuster hits like “The Hangover” (2009) and “Thelma the Unicorn” (2024). Similarly, Magnussen has a long resume that spans all genres, including Rapunzel’s Prince in “Into the Woods” (2014), Logan Ash in the James Bond film “No Time To Die” (2021), and Rey “The King” Kingsman in Netflix’s “Spy Kids: Armageddon” (2023).
The giant, antagonistic alien Captain Gantu is conspicuously missing from the cast list. However, the character’s presence in the movie has been confirmed by The DisInsider, which suspects that Kevin Michael Richardson will return to voice the role.
Check out the list below for other members of this amazing cast:
Chris Sanders: Stitch (voice)
Maia Kealoha: Lilo
Zach Galifianakis: Dr. Jumba Jookiba (voice)
Billy Magnussen: Agent Pleakley (voice)
Sydney Agudong: Nani
Kaipo Dudoit: David Kawena
Hannah Waddingham: Grand Councilwoman (voice)
Tia Carrere: Mrs. Kekoa
Courtney B. Vance: Cobra Bubbles
Amy Hill: Tutu
Celia Kenney: AJ
The crew includes:
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Writers: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes
Executive Producers: Ryan Halprin, Tom C. Peitzman, Louie Provost
Composers: Dan Romer
Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Rideback, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
How To Stream Lilo & Stitch 2025
Disney’s 2025 “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake will be released exclusively to theaters and is expected to be available on Disney+ thereafter. We at StreamSafely are counting down the days until we can experience this reimagined Hawaiian adventure on the big screen! We know this adaptation will introduce a whole new generation to the concept of “Ohana” while offering longtime fans a fresh perspective on the story we’ve loved for over two decades.
As we anticipate this release, StreamSafely reaffirms our commitment to guiding viewers away from piracy sites that expose users to online security risks and undermine the hard work of filmmakers. When seeking information about release dates, trailers, or streaming availability for “Lilo & Stitch” or any other film, remember that our comprehensive database of movies and TV shows provides reliable and secure information about legitimate viewing options. By partnering with StreamSafely for all your entertainment needs, you’re not just protecting yourself from cybersecurity threats — you’re supporting the creative industry and ensuring that wonderful stories like “Lilo & Stitch” can continue to be told for generations to come.
