Chris Sanders finds himself in the final throes of negotiations to breathe life into the iconic character of Stitch in Disney's upcoming live-action reimagining of 'Lilo & Stitch,' as exclusively revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. This marks a triumphant return for the creator-turned-voice actor, who originally lent his talents to the mischievous alien creature in both the 2002 animated film and its subsequent TV series from 2003 to 2006. Sanders, who co-wrote and directed the original masterpiece alongside Dean DeBlois, had been long rumored to reprise his role, but only recently confirmed in a 2022 interview with SYFY Wire that he hadn't yet received an official offer from the studio.
Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original film, gracefully transitions into a new role as the freshly conceived Mrs. Kekoa, while Amy Hill steps into the spotlight as the endearing character Tūtū. Joining this star-studded cast, Maia Kealoha takes on the mantle of Lilo, and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong portrays Nani with heart and charm. A casting shakeup recently occurred with Kahiau Machado being replaced by Kaipot Dudoit as David Kawena, following the revelation of past offensive social media posts by Machado during Disney's thorough vetting process.
The ensemble further swells with the addition of Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance rounding out the trio as Cobra Bubbles. Dean Fleischer Camp, the visionary behind the Oscar-nominated 'Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,' takes the helm as director, poised to deliver a groundbreaking release exclusive to Disney+. Production is now in full swing, capturing the essence of Hawaii's idyllic landscapes.
This heartwarming tale, deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, explores the unlikely bond forged between a lonely human girl, Lilo, and Stitch, a genetically modified alien dog designed for destruction. Amidst the chaos of nosy social workers and relentless alien pursuers, the duo finds solace in each other, forging a family bond that triumphs over all odds.
Chris Kekaniokalani Bright has skillfully adapted the original screenplay penned by Mike Van Waes, ensuring that the magic of the original film remains intact while introducing fresh elements. The film boasts a formidable creative team, including production designer Todd Cherniawsky (known for 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and 'Star Trek: Picard'), cinematographer Nigel Bluck (whose credits include 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' and the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy), visual effects supervisor Craig Hammack ('Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' 'Black Panther,' and 'Tomorrowland'), and costume designer Wendy Chuck ('About Schmidt,' 'Nebraska,' and 'The Descendants').
The original 'Lilo & Stitch' became a cult phenomenon in 2002, grossing over $273 million globally on an $80 million budget and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. As the live-action remake takes shape, anticipation mounts for a cinematic experience that promises to captivate audiences once again.
