The much-anticipated live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is set to hit theaters on May 21, bringing the lovable blue alien and his chaotic antics to the big screen once again. Fans of the beloved 2002 animated film are eagerly awaiting the film, but not without a few controversial reactions surrounding the changes made to certain iconic characters.
Fans Eager for Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Adaptation
Since the release of the film’s first trailer, excitement has been mounting as fans get a sneak peek at the new versions of Lilo and Stitch, and their memorable interactions. The movie will also feature Lilo’s sister Nani, and other favorite characters. Fans are particularly excited to see how the dynamic between Lilo, Nani, and Stitch will be portrayed in live action.
Controversy Over Character Changes: Jumba and Pleakley
However, the excitement has been tempered by controversy over character changes. Specifically, many fans have expressed concern over the redesign of the characters Jumba and Pleakley, who are played by Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen, respectively.
In the original animated film, Pleakley is known for his eccentric cross-dressing, often wearing fabulous wigs and women’s clothing. However, in the live-action version, Pleakley appears in a human disguise, which has left some fans upset. One critic voiced their disappointment on Reddit, stating, “A Pleakley not indulging in fabulous wigs and women’s wear isn’t Pleakley at all.”
Similarly, Jumba’s character has also been the subject of criticism. Some fans find the live-action portrayal unsettling, with the character’s design not aligning with their expectations of the original animated version.
Director Dean Fleischer Camp Responds to Backlash
Director Dean Fleischer Camp has responded to the controversy, explaining that the team chose to take a new directionwith the characters of Jumba and Pleakley in the live-action remake. In an interview with SFX Magazine, Camp stated, “We’re doing something a little different with Jumba and Pleakley,” adding, “It’s my favorite kind of story. The audience is going to find themselves falling into a trapdoor of emotion at some point.”
Despite the backlash, Camp assures that the film will deliver an emotional and immersive experience for viewers, encouraging them to stay open-minded about the changes.
Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast and Release Details
The live-action Lilo & Stitch movie stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Agudong as Nani, and Chris Sanders and Tia Carrere reprising their roles from the original film. The movie will bring a fresh take on the classic story while maintaining its core themes of love, family, and friendship.
With May 21 marking the official release date, fans are eager to see how the live-action remake compares to the original, as well as how the characters will come to life on the big screen.
