In leaving behind signature threads of the cherished classic, “Lilo & Stitch” struggles to honor the true meaning of ʻohana.

Riding the wave into its highly anticipated release this Friday, Disney’s latest live-action remake brings back the beloved eponymous duo nearly 25 years after its original animated debut. Following the escape of the illegal alien experiment Stitch (Chris Sanders), the film settles in Hawaii as Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha), a lonely but spirited orphan, adopts the creature after mistaking him for a dog. As Lilo teaches Stitch about love and belonging, the pair form a familial bond, encouraging Stitch to leave behind his chaotic and destructive past.

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The adapted film remains mostly faithful to its original throughout its first half, recreating iconic opening scenes including Experiment 626’s frenzied escape from the planet Turo and Lilo’s chaotic hula practice. While the emotional theme of ʻohana resonates throughout the entirety of the remake, the differences between the two films quickly become apparent with the unnecessary introductions – and erasures – of pivotal characters. The introduction of Tūtū (Amy Hill), the Pelekais’ joyful yet protective neighbor, for example, ultimately changes the trajectory of the storyline as she takes on the role of Lilo’s legal guardian at the conclusion of the film.

This major change to the ending comes about as a result of Lilo’s older sister Nani’s (Sydney Agudong) character development, as she faces an internal crisis between studying marine biology in San Diego or staying behind to care for her sister. While this distinction brings a newfound emphasis on Nani’s youth and the challenging circumstances she is faced with, its modernity detracts from the nostalgia of the original film, with the forced incorporation of a Zoom call and the backdrop of a dorm room. Additionally, it brings a new perspective to the story’s overarching emphasis on the meaning of ʻohana, as Lilo is inherently left behind, albeit not forgotten.

Of course, the two films’ differences can not be fully acknowledged without addressing the omission of Captain Gantu, the animated film’s primary villain. In the 2002 film, Gantu was established midway through as the lead antagonist, traveling to Hawaii himself to apprehend Stitch with no concern for the destruction he left in his path. Without any allusion to the existence of Gantu, the remake instead offers Stitch’s creator Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) as his adversarial replacement, giving Jumba a much more malicious and villainous characterization than the previous iteration.

While the erasure does not undermine the film’s overall message, Gantu’s absence is certainly felt, as Jumba’s characterization pales in comparison to the foreboding and ominous presence Gantu brought to the original. As Jumba joined the Pelekai family in the original film’s ending, the adaptation’s conclusion instead removes him entirely from their lives, reflecting the drastic change to his identity as a character.

Despite the film’s clear departures from the animated classic, its shortcomings are compensated for by its standout casting of Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Her Hollywood debut is remarkably well-suited, capturing Lilo’s youthful energy and playful spirit with tangible authenticity and impeccable comedic timing. Although many remakes tend to choose older actors to depict their younger characters, Disney’s decision to cast 8-year-old Kealoha worked in its favor, as she brought an innate sense of childhood that would be challenging to manufacture with an older actor.

Sydney Agudong’s portrayal of Nani also introduces a more realistic and contemporary perspective on the sisters’ dynamic. Her relative youth, compared to the animated Nani’s maturity, encourages viewers to adopt a more sympathetic outlook on her emotional and familial responsibilities. Although the film does not rely on any standout performances, its use of CGI adds a new dimension to its alien characters. Notably, Disney reimagines Jumba and Pleakley in human disguises, reducing the screen time of the two characters in their alien state. Stitch’s depiction, however, is rendered with much more striking appeal, appearing more adorable than in the animated film, softening the initial menace of his early characterization.

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Despite the range of minor and major deviations from its animated counterpart, “Lilo & Stitch” succeeds as a standalone film, taking audiences on an emotional “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” that celebrates the heart of the original. Capturing the endearing bond between sisters and unexpected friendship, the 2025 adaptation remains one of Disney’s stronger live-action remakes, yet it does not quite live up to the charm of the original. In undermining and omitting some of the animated classic’s most memorable moments, the film leaves room for improvement, while still offering an emotional and entertaining experience in its own right.

In spite of a few missteps, “Lilo & Stitch” stitches together nostalgia and reinvention into a heartfelt homage to its roots.