LILO & STITCH Social Media Reactions Promise Disney Fans The Best Live-Action Adaptation To Date

There's a huge amount of excitement surrounding Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, and ahead of the movie's release next weekend, we have the first social media reactions from critics...

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By JoshWilding - May 18, 2025 10:05 AM EST

Filed Under: Disney

Source: Toonado.com

Disney's live-action remakes have been nothing if not hit-or-miss. Some (The Jungle Book, Cinderella) are considered improvements over their animated predecessors, and others...not so much (Snow White, Pinocchio).

Lilo & Stitch's fanbase has only grown since it was released in 2002, with merchandise featuring the adorable Experiment 626 still dominating store shelves over two decades later. Disney's marketing campaign for the movie has been fantastic, but will that translate into a great movie?

Based on the first social media reactions we first shared on Toonado.com, the answer to that question is a resounding "yes."

As you can see below, Lilo & Stitch is being hailed as Disney's best live-action remake yet, and the verdict thus far is overwhelmingly positive. Original plans called for this to be a Disney+ Original, so it's safe to say current Disney CEO Bob Iger was right to pivot to a theatrical release.

That's evident from early box office tracking suggesting a debut of at least $120 million over Memorial Day weekend, where it will easily top Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Reactions like these will only help increase that number.

Lilo & Stitch sounds like a heartwarming, hilarious tale which, crucially, does right by the animated movie. However, it sounds like it also bring some new (and welcomed) ideas to the table.

Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.

The movie is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, and introduces Maia Kealoha.

Lilo & Stitch is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

After originally being developed as a Disney+ Original, Lilo & Stitch now arrives in theaters on May 23, 2025.

#LiloandStitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors. pic.twitter.com/llyEvFBNfM
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) May 18, 2025

#LiloAndStitch is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! It’s a story about loss, friendship, & ohana, told in a way that’s both fun and deeply touching. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry & Stitch will completely steal your heart. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is a breakout star in a story that delivers HEARTWARMING… pic.twitter.com/xNxvSyqjJn
— Anthony Gagliardi (@AJGaliardi) May 18, 2025

#LiloandStitch was heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a STAR! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they'd be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet.
— Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) May 18, 2025

Having lived in Hawaii, my childhood island nostalgia came flooding back ! This is by far one of Disney’s best! From the music, Hawaiian culture homage and a fantabulous star turn from Newcomer Maia Kealoha #LiloandStitch will remind everyone why family is important and should… pic.twitter.com/g19CZGeHNR
— Carla Renata (@TheCurvyCritic) May 18, 2025

#LiloandStitch is the best live-action remake of a Disney animated film by far! The casting features returning and new actors, and they were all solid. The story is very close to the original and will for sure make fans happy. Elvis music and the classic songs are back. pic.twitter.com/Sr4ZzOeMvC
— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) May 18, 2025

#LiloandStitch is a cute reimagining that mostly captures the original’s spirit through a modern-day lens. Lilo and Nani’s relationship feels even more heartfelt. It’s still raw, real, and central to the story’s emotional core. Of course Stitch brings hilarious chaos. pic.twitter.com/lYh5POQ5As
— iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee) May 18, 2025

#LiloAndStitch is the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet. Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It’s also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making… pic.twitter.com/zA3i722bx1
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) May 18, 2025

Some supporting characters are underserved (though I like some new additions), but #LiloandStitch 2025 maintains the original’s strong emotional core, with a greater focus on the bond (and tensions) between Lilo and Nani. It’s got genuine heart in a way some Disney remakes lack. pic.twitter.com/Cg0LdGsjSp
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) May 18, 2025

#LiloandStitch is the best live-action remake so far! It's still funny, adorable, and comforting, capturing everything the original had. The story is hilarious & heartwarming, with a star-making performance by Maia Kealoha. This elevates Stitch to Mickey Mouse levels. pic.twitter.com/RSl4IBdYl2
— 🔸 Juan* – Cannes Festival Expert (@clubfeige) May 18, 2025

#LiloandStitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors. pic.twitter.com/llyEvFBNfM
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) May 18, 2025

SNOW WHITE: Disney's Underperforming Remake Sets Digital And Blu-Ray Release Dates

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28 Comments

vectorsigma - 5/18/2025, 10:18 AM

Looks cheap and the kid is annoying. Lolz

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 10:56 AM

@vectorsigma - #LiloAndStitch is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! It’s a story about loss, friendship, & ohana, told in a way that’s both fun and deeply touching. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry & Stitch will completely steal your heart. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is a breakout star in a story that delivers HEARTWARMING FUN for the whole family.

Vigor - 5/18/2025, 11:17 AM

@AllsGood - what the hell. Are you AI?

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 11:23 AM

@Vigor - #LiloAndStitch is the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet. Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It’s also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making performance from Maia Kealoha.

Vigor - 5/18/2025, 11:25 AM

@AllsGood -

KennKathleen - 5/18/2025, 11:41 AM

@Vigor -

Wahhvacado - 5/18/2025, 10:31 AM

The director tried to put the aliens in drag but Disney said no removing one of the better bits from the original

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ANewPope - 5/18/2025, 11:02 AM

@Wahhvacado - Also apparently Gantu isn't even in it at all

dragon316 - 5/18/2025, 11:09 AM

@Wahhvacado - if I saw Alien in dress I know it’s alien no matter what humans ares stupid in Lilo and stich movies and tv series dog climbs walls lift tv alien in dress pass for human movie is good make humans look stupid

Blergh - 5/18/2025, 11:10 AM

@Wahhvacado - wait, seriously? That’s dire, and some folks still claim that Disney was woke.

He also did often disguise in female getup on the tv show so I feel that they’re taking out a pretty essential element to appease the anti wokies

Wahhvacado - 5/18/2025, 12:31 PM

@Blergh @ANewPope - Honestly it looks like it would be a good adaptation but growing up with this movie these parts being cut or changed makes me lose interest

bkmeijer1 - 5/18/2025, 10:35 AM

Well, the bar isn't really high to begin with it. Good to know it adds some new stuff though. That's something these remakes definitely seems to lack.

TheVisionary25 - 5/18/2025, 11:50 AM

@bkmeijer1 - huh?

I feel like pretty much all the remakes have added new stuff regardless of quality

Whether people have liked that or not is a different thing though

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 10:45 AM

Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch going kick some Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Ass.

This disappointing installment, with "M:I" veteran Christopher McQuarrie back in the director's chair, feels — unlike Cruise's character — bloated and tired, despite the dizzying, high-flying stunt work at the film's climax.

bobevanz - 5/18/2025, 10:54 AM

@AllsGood - you said it'll make less than Thunderbolts. You truly know nothing lmao

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 11:00 AM

@bobevanz - NO! I said Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is Box Office Tracking the same as Thunderbolts opening.

jackbauer884 - 5/18/2025, 11:21 AM

@AllsGood - Stop fapping about kids movies you bizarre freak. Or go to jail.

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 11:25 AM

@jackbauer884 - #LiloandStitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors.

AllsGood - 5/18/2025, 10:53 AM

Anyone seen MakeAmericaGrea

newhire13 - 5/18/2025, 11:11 AM

@AllsGood - Hopefully stranded on a hostile alien planet

SuperCat - 5/18/2025, 10:54 AM

bobevanz - 5/18/2025, 10:55 AM

Hmm this is a perfect article for the incels and bigots to show up. Maybe they were banned, lmao silly me

bobevanz - 5/18/2025, 10:56 AM

A billion is locked. Movies like this keep theaters profiting, especially kids movies. Buy the popcorn and drink, you'd do it at any other event. Don't keep cheap on me

SuperCat - 5/18/2025, 11:06 AM

Blergh - 5/18/2025, 11:24 AM

@SuperCat - Michael Myers, serial killer on the best day of the year, canine meat conesseur for the other 364 days

Blergh - 5/18/2025, 11:22 AM

The last movie I saw with my mom in theatres together before my younger brother was born. Brings out childhood memories. Especially since my younger brother ended up loving the Stitch movies as well. I might try to get my family to join us for this. My dad also loved the original

The bar is very low, the remakes are all competently made but didn’t strike a cord with me, especially since my gf and I have only gotten around to the idea of having kids. I hated Aladdin and how it turned Genie from lovable to „cool“; Beauty & the Beast was just loveless albeit nice to look at; Cinderella was creepy due to the way Lily Allen looked like she might snap in half. The only one I did love was Lady & the Tramp, that was a sweet movie and given my love for animals I might even dig an Aristocats remake.

I’m more a fan of the „different spin“ take on these tales. Like Maleficent turning the story on its head (while Cruella failed at that) or focusing on the Huntsman instead of Snow White and making a damn cool sequel (seriously, Huntsman & the Ice Queen is genuinely good).

They went into the right direction with Mufasa. If they need to cash in on an IP then expand the lore through pre- or sequels.

Think „Son of Aladdin“, „Beauty within the Beast“, „Pinoccio Returns“, „The Mirror & the Queen“, „The Protector of Notre Dame“ or „Tje Acension of Atlantis“

And don’t get me started on Mulan, that movie was offensively bad

TheVisionary25 - 5/18/2025, 11:51 AM

Glad to see the positive reactions thus far…

The movie has looked charming & adorable so I’m looking forward to it!!.

JustAWaffle - 5/18/2025, 11:58 AM

I think this is the first live action remake I’ll see in theaters. It looks decent, in spite of @AllsGood making me want to hate it. I’ll bypass his passive aggressive negativity and give it a try.

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LILO & STITCH Social Media Reactions Promise Disney Fans The Best Live-Action Adaptation To Date

There's a huge amount of excitement surrounding Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, and ahead of the movie's release next weekend, we have the first social media reactions from critics...

SNOW WHITE: Disney's Underperforming Remake Sets Digital And Blu-Ray Release Dates

LILO AND STITCH: Disney Shares Heartwarming First Clip And New Posters As Tickets Go On Sale

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.