5 things to know about the first live-action film in the franchise

“Lilo & Stitch” emerged as a Disney animation released in 2002. In the plot, set in Hawaii, Lilo is presented as a little girl passionate about animals who ends up adopting a slightly different dog, after all, what she doesn’t know is that he wasn’t actually a pet, but rather an alien criminal wanted across the galaxy. Their journey is long and full of action, but in the end calm wins, and they end up giving meaning to the concept of “Ohana” by forming a beautiful family.

Now, more than 20 years after the plot was shown in theaters, the story is being adapted for the big screen again, but this time, in live-action format! The title was confirmed by the studio created by Roy and Walt Disney in 2018, and after postponements and pauses, at the beginning of this year production was finally closed, and soon the feature film will be released around the world.

With that in mind, RECREIO put together a list of 5 things to know about the live-action film directed by Dean Fleischer; check it out:

1. Who is in the cast of “Lilo & Stitch”?

The main cast includes the creator of the animated film, Chris Sanderswho voiced Stitch, and returns to voice the beloved blue alien. Besides him, Aunt Carrerewho voiced Nani in the first film, and Amy Hillthe voice actress of Ms. Hasagawa, also returned to the franchise, this time, to play new characters: Ms. Kekoa and Tūtū, respectively.

Other names have also been confirmed, such as Maia Kealohawhich will be Lilo; Sydney Agudong, which will give life to Nani; Courtney B. Vancewho was cast as Cobra Bubbles and Kahiau Machadowho won the role of David Kawena, Nani’s boyfriend. The actors Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen were also confirmed in production, to play Jumba and Pleakley, respectively.

2. How will Stitch appear in live-action?

Unlike the aliens Jumba, Pleakley and Cobra Bubble, Stitch will not have a real interpreter. The character will be created by computer, with some scenes and images of the CGI work revealed, the most recent being in the official plot teaser:

Before that, at D23 Brasil, held on November 8, an image of Stitch appeared in what appears to be Lilo’s room; remember:

While the first preview emerged in August this year; see again:

3. Where was it recorded?

The film was shot in Hawaii, with scenes recorded at the Hawaii Film Studio, on the island of Oahu and in the Kaneohe region, located in Honolulu County.

4. When does the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” premiere?

During the “Disney Studios” panel at D23 Brasil, it was revealed that the live-action film will premiere on May 22, 2025 in Brazil, one day before its release in the United States.

5. Why did the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” take so long to be produced?

Confirmed six years ago, the live-action adaptation took so long for the end of production to be announced due to two reasons: a postponement and a break.

This is because recordings were supposed to start in 2020, but were postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that put everyone in quarantine. In July 2023, filming was almost over when the Hollywood actors’ strike emerged, causing the cameras to remain off until February of this year, when the project was resumed and the final scenes were recorded in the first days of March.