It seems Lilo & Stitch fans are in for a treat as the first critics’ reactions are hailing the film as “the best Disney’s live-action to date”.
The movie on the adorable friendship between six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and the chaotic, koala-shaped alien Stitch (voiced by OG star Chris Sanders) has won the hearts of the lucky few who’ve managed to see it at the LA premiere last weekend.
Ahead of its wider release, set for 23 May, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast calling the film the “biggest surprise” of the year.
“#LiloAndStitch is the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet,” he wrote on Twitter/X.
“[Director] Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It’s also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making performance from Maia Kealoha.”
Disney
Related: Why Lilo & Stitch director was frustrated by Frozen praise
Critic Wendy Lee Szany echoed the sentiment, also calling the film the best live-action from the House of Mouse so far.
“#LiloandStitch is the best Disney live-action to date,” Szany wrote.
“Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors.”
Disney
Related: Best streaming services
On Bluesky, critic Michael Lee described the film as “a cute reimagining that mostly captures the original’s spirit through a modern-day lens”.
“Lilo and Nani’s relationship feels even more heartfelt. It’s still raw, real, and central to the story’s emotional core. Of course Stitch brings hilarious chaos,” Lee continued.
“I also liked how #LiloandStitch reimagines Ohana, adding new phrases and expressions that deepen the character arcs and celebrate the spirit of Aloha.”
Alongside Kealoha and Sanders, the film also stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Lilo’s older sister Nani, Zach Galifianakis as Stitch’s inventor Dr Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen as Earth expert Agent Pleakley, and Courtney B Vance as FBI agent Cobra Bubbles among others.
Lilo & Stitch’s live-action adaptation is due to be released in cinemas on 23 May. The original movie is streaming on Disney+.
Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.
Deals that might interest you
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals
Stranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmCredit: Pandora
Shop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looksCredit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Richard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: Viking
Shop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStation
Shop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark Bourdillon
Apple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+
Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck Zlotnick
The Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus Books
Death in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).