A fresh teaser trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch aired during the Super Bowl, drawing attention with an unexpected twist. The brief clip featured the mischievous blue alien, Stitch, seemingly disrupting the football field, making viewers momentarily question whether the broadcast had been hijacked or if an unauthorized person had accidentally wandered onto the field.
The remake, set to hit theaters on May 23, stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai, the young girl who befriends the alien creature, while Sydney Agudong portrays her older sister, Nani. The iconic role of Stitch is once again voiced by Chris Sanders, who voiced the character in the original 2002 animated film. Other notable cast members include Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumbaa Jookiba, the alien scientist who creates Stitch, and Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Jumba’s companion.
Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, returns to the franchise in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa, with Courtney B. Vance joining the cast as a social worker. The film also features Amy Hill and Jason Scott Lee, both of whom voiced characters in the original animated movie.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for the indie hit Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, the live-action adaptation is written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright. The film is produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin through Rideback, with Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Tom C. Peitzman serving as executive producers.
Carrere recently teased that the remake will include Easter eggs for both longtime fans of the original movie and new viewers. “There’s going to be Easter eggs for the people who saw it originally, and also the new kids that are coming up,” she told.
The original Lilo & Stitch, released during Disney’s celebrated 90s renaissance, remains a fan favorite. The 2002 film earned $273 million globally and led to several spinoffs, including direct-to-video sequels and a popular animated series on Disney Channel.
Fans of the franchise can look forward to the live-action remake’s release later this year.
