The 2002 Disney movie Lilo & Stitch sees little Lilo Pelekai befriending an alien named Experiment 626, and there is curiosity about whether there will ever be a live-action remake of the animated feature. There have been three Lilo & Stitch TV shows and several sequels, which were released direct-to-video, but a live-action movie would honor the relatable story of these charming characters. While Stitch is meant to hurt others, and he tends to cause problems everywhere, his bond with Lilo changes him. Decades later, there is still interest in this world as the themes of true friendship, family, and standing up for what's right endure.
There are several Disney live-action remakes in development, but Lilo & Stitch's balance of light and dark tones makes the movie a significant part of the studio's catalog. It stands out among Disney's animated classics not only for its friendship between a young girl and her alien pal but also for her relationship with her sister, Nani. The story goes to some deep places, sharing how the siblings are coping after the loss of their parents and how they find a way forward. A live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch could focus on their family history and desire to connect with each other in the face of grief.
Will There Be A Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Movie?
There is a Lilo & Stitch live-action movie in development, and in July 2022, Dean Fleischer Camp was announced as the director (via Deadline). Camp directed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, which was one of the best movies released in the summer of 2022. Jon M. Chu was the first director announced for the live-action Lilo & Stitch in 2020 but didn't have an official contract (via Variety). There are no actors attached to the movie yet, so it remains to be seen who will play Lilo, Stitch, and Nani, along with other important characters such as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, who created Stitch.
Disney's past live-action remakes haven't all gotten rave reviews, and the question of why it's necessary to tell a classic Disney story all over again often comes up when such projects are announced and again later when they are released. However, the emotions at the center of Lilo & Stitch and the joy that Lilo finds with her alien companion are reasons for a live-action remake of the 2002 original. Lilo has a tragic story, and her loss makes her a relatable character. The movie's universal narrative makes it always feels relevant.
Who Plays Nani In Lilo & Stitch?
Tia Carrere voiced the character Nani in the movie Lilo & Stitch, and the actor is fittingly from Honolulu, Hawaii. While there is curiosity about whether Carrere will reprise her role of Nani in the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, that doesn't seem likely, but there is no news about casting decisions yet. Carrere played Nani throughout the franchise, including Lilo & Stitch: The Series, which aired from 2003 to 2006, and 2003's Stitch! The Movie. Carrere voices Nani with strength, emotion, and determination. The character has a tough time raising Lilo and misses their parents. The sisters don't always get along, but their strife makes sense since they're grieving.
Tia Carrere's movie roles also include the musician love interest Cassandra Wong in Wayne's World. Her turn as Nani in Lilo & Stitch is one of the most significant of her career, though. Nani goes through a nerve-wracking journey, starting when Cobra Bubbles (voiced by Ving Rhames) wonders if Lilo (Daveigh Chase) should move into foster care. Nani wants to ignore what the social worker thinks and take care of her sister, and she knows that she can create a good life for both of them. Nani and Lilo fight and have a hard time relating to each other, but they find common ground as the story wraps up.
Why Nani Is Important In Lilo & Stitch
Lilo & Stitch has dark moments, including the backstory of Nani and Lilo's parents dying in a car accident. The movie realistically portrays an older sibling who becomes a guardian at a young age and has to be responsible when still finding themselves. Nani is significant because she and Stitch connect and grow and develop as characters. In a memorable scene, everyone spends time at the beach, and Cobra sees Lilo almost drown. He lets Nani know that she has to work or Lilo will go into foster care. Nani is scared and nervous and knows that she has to figure out a plan.
This scene also changes Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders, who also co-directed Lilo & Stitch), and his first instinct is to be alone. Stitch leaves as he's guilt-ridden and blames himself. When he comes back, he realizes mistakes happen, but he can be a positive part of this family's life. Stitch is a great character and, like Nani, he goes on a journey of accepting love and help from others and learning he shouldn't have to be on his own. Nani and Stitch bond over how much they care about Lilo. They both end up being protectors who look out for her. The parallels between these two characters are compelling.
Lilo and Nani's mother and father also play a crucial role in the story's meaning. Nani uses the positive memory of her parents to keep Lilo safe and finds a newfound affection and compassion for Stitch. Nani realizes that she can succeed as Lilo's guardian, but she has to make some changes. Nani leans on others more. She also realizes that she has to slow down, breathe, and enjoy every day, as she realizes that she has fun with Lilo and Stitch. The Lilo & Stitch parents are definitely the most emotional part of the movie, and it's moving how their daughters become closer and find some peace.