Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Faces Backlash Over Major Ending, Character Changes

The 2025 live-action remake of Disney's Lilo & Stitch has sparked mixed reactions due to significant changes from the original 2002 animated film, particularly in its third act where Nani leaves Lilo with a neighbor to pursue college, altering the original's family-focused message. Director Dean Fleischer Camp defended these changes, emphasizing their intent and arguing that critics have misunderstood the film's story beats. Additionally, the remake toned down Stitch's violent antics to better suit a live-action format, aiming to preserve his destructive spirit without real-world consequences. The film also reimagined several characters: Jumba was altered into the main antagonist, Cobra Bubbles became a CIA agent, and Pleakley received an expanded role with greater influence and a redemption arc. Original Nani voice actress Tia Carrere returned in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa, adding a nod to the original while enriching the story with a social worker character. Despite controversy, many praise the remake for maintaining the emotional core and sibling bond of the original, offering a fun and heartfelt experience even if it doesn't fully match the original's impact.