- First trailer released for remake of Disney classic
- Fans encouraged by first glimpse
- Animated remake hits theaters in May 2025
Disney has dropped the much anticipated first trailer for its live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.
Director Dean Fleischer Camp’s new version of the 2002 animated classic stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani, and Kaipot Dudoit as David Kawena.
Read more: Everything we know about the Lilo & Stitch remake
Disney’s live-action remakes have often received mixed reviews and in some cases caused controversy – the casting in their new Snow White remake has resulted in major backlash. However, the Lilo & Stitch trailer is doing quite the opposite, with fans praising it for doing the original movie justice.
The 2002 film was written and directed by Chris Sanders and Daniel DeBlois. It follows a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts what she believes to be a dog, only to discover that he is actually Stitch—a genetically engineered alien who has escaped from prison.
First Lilo & Stitch trailer
The first full trailer finally arrived on 12 March, 2025. A previous teaser trailer released months showed Stitch causing destruction on a beach, but now get to see the mischievous blue creature meeting Lilo.
Sanders, who also voiced Stitch in the original movie over two decades ago, reprised his role once again. Speaking to Collider, he expressed his delight that the character has stood the test of time, “I like that the story and the characters have endured. It was my wish that the story and characters would have staying power, and I’m really glad that they have. I’ve never stopped doing the voice. I do it for all the different stage shows and parades and everything, and it’s nice to, several times a year, be able to revisit that character.”
The trailer features many familiar moments that directly replicate scenes in the original movie. One memorable callback is the ice cream-dropping guy, while snippets of the song Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride transports viewers back to the early 2000s.
How have the fans reacted?
Initial reactions have been positive, with fans taking to X and YouTube to share their nostalgia and excitement over the return of the original voice actors.
@zacharymccoy7091 commented to say how pleased he was that Sanders is back, “I’m just glad Chris Sanders is still voicing Stitch. Literally no other person could do it better.”.
@Luna_moon_1127 only had good things to say about Kealoha as Lilo, “The actress playing Lilo is perfect. Honestly, the voice the way she looks kind of like a human version of Lilo. It’s perfect. They chose a perfect actress for this role. Her voice doesn’t sound exactly like animated Lilo but it’s close enough that it gives me the illusion, which is perfect.”
The ice cream dropping moment didn’t go unnoticed, with several fans picking up on the detail.
@thatothy “I love the fact that they went into so much detail and literally casted that ice cream guy”.
@75things75 “They brought back the ice cream guy! That’s how you know this had legitimate effort put into it”
@marleyeversley19 “Omg from everything to the elvis music to the ice cream dropping on the floor this is perfect.”
@ryanmdickie summed up the general consensus, commenting “I’ll admit that I have been VERY critical of many of Disney’s recent decisions and products. That being said; this looks like a return to form and a lot of fun. Well done.”
Lilo & Stitch hits theaters on 23 May, 2025.
