One of the stars of the upcoming Lilo & Stitch live-action remake addresses concerns related to the film’s quality. Lilo & Stitch was originally a 2002 Disney movie, but was later adapted into a TV series of the same name. Over two decades after the film’s initial release, Disney is working on a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, which is set for release in 2025. The live-action version of Lilo & Stitch features a leading cast including Tia Carrere, Chris Sanders, Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifinakis, Courtney B. Vance, Sydney Agudong, Jason Scott Lee, and Amy Hill.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant on the red carpet for the premiere of The Franchise, Magnussen comments on the quality of the Lilo & Stitch live-action movie. Magnussen noted that “art is art“ and noted that Lilo & Stitch is “meant with love.” Alluding to criticism, Magnussen questions “Why would we not want to celebrate that in life?” He praised the Disney story, saying “For me, Lilo & Stitch was such an important thing about people being isolated and not in their community and finding connection.” Check out the full quote from Magnussen below:
Art is art, and let’s celebrate people sharing Ohana. It’s meant with love. For me, Lilo & Stitch was such an important thing about people being isolated and not in their community and finding connection. Why would we not want to celebrate that in life? Or why cut it down, I don’t understand, I really don’t understand.
Magnussen Alludes To The Film’s Issues
Though Magnussen does not address specific criticism for the Lilo & Stitch movie, the actor clearly alludes to the preemptive criticism that the adaptation has gotten. While concerns have been raised about the quality of the remake itself, the main point of contention has been the casting for the role of Nani. Agudong was cast in the role, and while the actor is Hawaiian, she has much lighter skin than that of Nani from the animated version. This casting thus led to accusations of colorism on the part of the Lilo & Stitch team.
Magnussen dances around this particular topic when discussing the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie. Saying “I really don’t understand” is likely not in reference to the colorism allegations, but rather a general statement on why people would dismiss the film before seeing it. As Lilo & Stitch continues its development, more of its actors will likely have to come to its defense, as the response has already been fairly vitriolic at this point.
Our Take On The Lilo & Stitch Movie
Lilo & Stitch Is In A Slew Of Live-Action Remakes
Beyond any casting criticisms, I think the biggest potential issue for the live-action Lilo & Stitch is simply being good enough to warrant its release. Disney has inundated audiences with live-action remakes over the last several years, some of which (e.g. The Lion King) have felt fairly unnecessary. Lilo & Stitch is one of Disney’s better animated movies from that era, and has stood the test of time. So, even if “art is art,” this particular piece of art will have a tough road ahead if it aims to live up to its predecessor.
