Revisiting ʻOhana: Disney’s 2025 ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Remake Balances Nostalgia and New Emotions

There’s something magical about revisiting a childhood favorite through a new lens, and Disney’s 2025 live-action take on Lilo & Stitch tries to bottle that magic while introducing a few fresh flavors. While not a flawless remake, it’s a heartfelt one, bringing back the chaos, charm, and tears that made the original unforgettable.

I caught an early screening, and from the opening sequence, it was clear that this version is more than just a rehash. Yes, Stitch is back to his mischief, and Lilo is still that beautifully quirky girl trying to find her place in the world, but now with deeper emotional stakes and more cultural grounding.

The biggest win of this remake is how it leans into Hawaiian culture more authentically. It’s clear the filmmakers made an effort to honor the spirit of ‘ohana, something that resonates differently when you’ve grown up and lived through a few heartbreaks of your own.

Maia Kealoha brings warmth and vulnerability to Lilo, capturing both her innocence and inner turmoil. Stitch is still voiced by Chris Sanders, and while he’s just as chaotic and funny, he talks a bit more, which some fans found jarring. Personally, I didn’t mind it. It added some layers to his character, though I did miss the quieter moments of connection from the original.

Nani, played by Sydney Agudong, is fierce and grounded, but some emotional scenes didn’t quite hit the mark. On the flip side, Amy Hill’s nosy neighbor role is pure gold, easily one of the movie’s funniest highlights.

That said, not everything lands. The final act, in particular, felt a little rushed and emotionally thin compared to the original's tear-jerking climax. Some key bonding scenes and songs didn’t make the cut either, which might disappoint die-hard fans like me who remember the original soundtrack, especially the A-Teens cover of I Can’t Help Falling In Love that still gives me goosebumps.

Watching this remake reminded me of how this story has marked different phases of my life. I first saw the original with my ex, then remembered how my second ex even named their WiFi "Experiment 626." Now, I’ll be rewatching it with my current partner. Funny how some stories keep finding new ways to stay with you.

All things considered, Disney’s new Lilo & Stitch isn’t trying to replace the original, it’s trying to reframe it for today. It's a warm, colorful reminder that family doesn’t always look like what we expect, and that love, no matter how chaotic, is worth holding on to.

Pinoy ShowBuzz Rating: 3.9 out of 5.0