Walt Disney PicturesLilo & Stitch is one of my all time favourite Disney movies, with Stitch being potentially the cutest, cuddliest alien ever to grace the silver screen.
The story of lonely Elvis Presley superfan, Lilo Pelekai, finding friendship with dog-like illegal genetic experiment, Stitch, was extremely sweet and surprisingly relatable for many a kid who’s failed to fit in.
The bright, glorious setting of Kauai, Hawaii, was beautifully captured by the Disney animators; offering a sunny, funny alternative to the austere European settings of many a Disney fairytale.
Moreover, the theme of ‘ohana resonated with the audience no matter where in the world they were watching the unlikely friends bond, ensuring a place for this feel good adventure in DVD cabinets the world over.
Now, the film is following in the footsteps of other classic Disney animations, with a live action remake in the works.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the remake will be produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who are already working on a live action version of Aladdin, alongside co-producer Ryan Halprin.
The script itself will be written by up-and-coming screenwriter, Mike Van Waes. It’s not yet understood whether this live-action/CG hybrid remake will be made for theatrical release or for Disney’s streaming service which will launch as of 2019.
Plenty of grown up Disney aficionados have been hula dancing with excitement at the prospect of the duo’s return.
One person tweeted:
I’m actually all for this, Lilo & Stitch is one of my favourites. [sic]
Another commented:
Interested to hear about the live action #LiloAndStitch. I hope that the film gives a lot of opportunities to Native Hawaiian people both behind and in front of the camera. @Disney [sic]
disney team discussing what a live action stitch would be like… pic.twitter.com/6u6ohbbIkd
— Natasha Remee (@NatashaRemee) October 3, 2018
To be honest. That sounds like a good idea….
But,I hope the story is good.
I thought Disney had completely forgotten about Stitch period.— Jo Gaming (@JoGaming9) October 3, 2018
I’m actually all for this, Lilo & Stitch is one of my favorites
— JP95 (@puskintio) October 3, 2018
Glad to hear #DanLin pulling the strings behind the scenes. Hope they're looking to the #OceanicTrust organized by #Moana to consult. Perhaps a trip to @HIFF this year to research potential local and Polynesian talent?
— kent matsuoka (@kentmatsuoka) October 3, 2018
Interested to hear about the live action #LiloAndStitch. I hope that the film gives a lot of opportunities to Native Hawaiian people both behind and in front of the camera. @Disney
— Where the f🔥ck is the medicus?!! (@rantazmo1) October 3, 2018
However, others are less sure. Some have even expressed frustration about the numerous upcoming live action remakes planned by Disney, suggesting some fresh ideas would be welcome.
One person tweeted:
Lilo and Stitch is perfect. Why F*ck it up with a live action movie? One of the biggest entertainment companies in the world is just turning out remakes. This is why Disney taking over everything is not a good thing. [sic]
Another said:
These adaptations have made me appreciate the original films.
Those were new, original films done in traditional hand animation! These live action films just seem to be a cash grab to make a buck on those kids who loved the original. Why remake something that’s already amazing? [sic]
Lilo and Stitch is perfect. Why F*ck it up with a live action movie? One of the biggest entertainment companies in the world is just turning out remakes. This is why Disney taking over everything is not a good thing pic.twitter.com/7Hdea9clLV
— Max5015⚕ (@Sweet_Saltiness) October 3, 2018
These adaptations have made me appreciate the original films.
Those were new, original films done in traditional hand animation! These live action films just seem to be a cash grab to make a buck on those kids who loved the original. Why remake something that's already a amazing?— Gothtober “バニー ボーイ” (@SuperiorArtemis) October 3, 2018
This is breaking in.. Every Disney movie will get a live action remake at some point, everything form the 80s and 90s is being remade its like they ran out of new ideas out there
— x RafelAntonioGutierrez x (@RALPH4lyf) October 3, 2018
It’s truly a wild and divisive time to be a Disney fan and I for one cannot wait to catch up with the adventures of Lilo & Stitch.
Aladdin will land his magic carpet in UK cinemas as of May 24, 2019, with Will Smith taking on the Genie role made iconic by the late, great Robin Williams.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.