Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is in the works, and The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively revealed that Chris Sanders, the original voice of Stitch, is in final talks to reprise his role. Sanders not only voiced the character in the 2002 film, but he also created it and co-directed the movie alongside Dean DeBlois.
The star-studded cast includes Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, Amy Hill as Tūtū, Sydney Agudong as Nani, newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles. The role of David Kawena has been recast with Kaipot Dudoit, following the discovery of previous social media posts containing racial slurs from the initially cast Kahiau Machado.
The live-action remake will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for the Oscar-nominated animated feature ‘Marcel the Shell With Shoes On’. The film’s production has officially started in Hawaii and is set to be a major release on Disney+. The heartwarming story revolves around the unique bond between Lilo, a lonely human girl, and Stitch, a dog-like alien created to be a force of destruction. Together, they form an unbreakable connection, overcoming obstacles and celebrating the importance of family.
Chris Kekaniokalani Bright penned the script for the adaptation, with Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback as producers. The creative team includes Todd Cherniawsky as production designer, Nigel Bluck as director of photography, Craig Hammack as visual effects supervisor, and Wendy Chuck as costume designer.
The original ‘Lilo & Stitch’ film was released in 2002 and quickly gained a cult following. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards. Fans of the original film are eagerly awaiting the live-action adaptation, hoping to see their favorite characters come to life once again.
