Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch (2025): Everything You Need to Know

The beloved Hawaiian tale of Lilo & Stitch is returning to theaters! Disney officially announced that the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch will premiere on May 23, 2025, bringing back the story of the lonely girl Lilo and her alien friend Stitch. This new version, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and starring Maia Kealoha as Lilo, promises to honor the heart and humor of the 2002 animated classic. Fans are already buzzing about what's in store from the upcoming release to how and when to watch it at home, and even new twists in the story.

Part 1: Is Lilo and Stitch Coming Out in 2025?

Yes, Lilo & Stitch will return in 2025! Disney's official site confirms that the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie is scheduled for theaters on May 23, 2025. This date was announced well in advance so fans can mark their calendars. The 2025 version stays true to the original tagline: "Lilo And Stitch, Coming to Theaters on May 23, 2025!". In other words, you won't have to wait for too long to see Stitch crash into Lilo's life on the big screen. After more than two decades since the animated film, this live-action remake is geared up to bring the whole family back to experience the "ohana" (family) story in a new way.

Part 2: Where Can I Watch Lilo and Stitch 2025 at Home?

Wondering how to catch Lilo & Stitch after it leaves theaters? As with Disney's other big releases, Disney+ will be the home for streaming the movie a few months later. Disney typically waits about 100 days (roughly 3 months) after the theatrical debut before moving a film to streaming. That means, with a May 23, 2025 release date, we expect Lilo & Stitch to arrive on Disney+ around late August or early September 2025. Until then, the film will likely be available to rent or purchase on digital platforms for those who can't make it to theaters right away. In short, fans should plan to enjoy Lilo & Stitch on Disney+ toward the end of summer 2025.

Part 3: What is the new ending of the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch movie?

The live-action remake adds a surprising twist to the finale. In this version, the climax shifts to a dramatic space and ocean sequence. Toward the end, Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) attempts to escape Earth with Stitch aboard his spaceship. Unbeknownst to Jumba, Lilo sneaks onto the ship to free Stitch. She finds the right controls and releases Stitch from his containment. As the ship flies off, Lilo and Stitch end up crash-landing into the ocean. Underwater, a strange side effect makes Stitch grow heavier, so he dutifully drags Lilo down even as he keeps her safe. Panicking, Nani dives in after them when Lilo reminds her that Stitch is "part of [their] ohana." Nani pulls Stitch to safety just in time. Stitch nearly drowns in this encounter, but he survives and reunites with Lilo. The pair share an emotional moment and Stitch even delivers the classic speech about how family can be small and broken but still ohana. This new ending (with the spaceship and underwater rescue) is different from the original but aims to heighten the drama for modern audiences.

Part 4: Lilo & Stitch (2025) Live-Action Movie Review: A Nostalgic Ohana Tale Remade

The new live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) largely succeeds in capturing the charm and warmth of the original. Maia Kealoha shines as Lilo, and Sydney Elizabeth Agudong brings depth to Nani. Tia Carrere even returns in a singing role, and Zach Galifianakis steps in as a comedic Jumba. Visually, the film is stunning: Stitch is rendered in vibrant CG that feels lifelike, and the Hawaiian setting looks beautiful on screen. The sisters' bond remains the heart of the movie, and the familiar Elvis music and playful humor help the remake stay fun.

However, some longtime fans have noted changes. Critics point out that the character Captain Gantu is removed from the story entirely, which shifts more antagonist focus onto Jumba. They also feel the new ending (with the spaceship and ocean) is less effective than the original finale. In our view, while the fresh twist is exciting, it occasionally feels forced compared to the simple emotional payoff of the animated film's climax.

Even so, Lilo & Stitch (2025) delivers on heart. It honors many beloved scenes (like the surfboard finale and "Ohana means family" speech) and adds new moments that highlight Lilo's courage and Stitch's loyalty. The ensemble cast is charming, and the movie's messages about family and kindness come through strongly. Overall, this live-action remake is a heartfelt, family friendly adventure. It may not top the original for purists, but it offers a fresh and modern take that is still full of laughter and warmth. Families who grew up on Lilo & Stitch will likely enjoy seeing their favorite characters in a new light, and younger viewers will be delighted by Stitch's antics and the movie's sense of fun.

Bonus Tip: Elevate Your Old Stitch Videos as the Live Action

If you've got old Lilo & Stitch clips or any anime cartoons you love, HitPaw VikPea can make them look brand new. This AI-powered video enhancer is specially designed for animation. It includes an exclusive AI animation model that restores clarity and detail to cartoon footage, effectively "upscaling" it while keeping colors vibrant. In other words, your low-res Stitch videos can be transformed with crisper lines, richer colors, and a more polished look, almost like live-action quality. The easy-to-use software lets fans relive classic anime scenes in stunning definition, making it perfect for giving your cherished videos an upgrade.

• Enhances clarity and color in animation videos with specialized upscaling.
• Sharpens and refines facial details for more realistic-looking characters.
• Uses AI to boost video resolution up to 8K for ultra-HD quality.
• Removes grain and artifacts to deliver smooth, clear visuals.
• Converts black-and-white clips to vivid color and improves overall color balance.
• AI fixes damaged or low-quality video, restoring detail and vibrancy.

• Step 1:Download and launch HitPaw VikPea, then import your video using "Choose File" or drag-and-drop.

  

• Step 2:Choose the Animation Model to enhance old or blurry anime/animation videos.

  

• Step 3:Preview the enhanced video, then click "Export" to save your high-quality result.

  

After following these steps, your Stitch videos will look dramatically better, as if they were freshly shot for the live-action remake. With HitPaw VikPea's advanced features, even decades old anime footage can be enjoyed in a new, more immersive way.

Conclusion

In summary, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is a big-screen event that fans won't want to miss. We know where and when it's coming (May 23, 2025 in theaters), and that it will hit Disney+ a few months later (around late August 2025). The movie's new ending adds extra excitement and emotion to the story we all love. Whether you're rewatching favorite scenes at home or enhancing your own Stitch videos with AI tools like HitPaw VikPea, this movie season celebrates that ohana means no one gets left behind.