After more than 20 years since the original film was released, Lilo & Stitch is being reimagined for Disney+.
The news of a remake of the 2002 American animated science fiction comedy-drama film was announced nearly five years ago.
With Dean Fleischer Camp as the director, Disney is expected to use technology similar to 2019's The Lion King to change the appearance of the genetically altered "earth dog" (known as Stitch) using computer graphics.
What is currently known about the new Lilo & Stitch movie? Here’s what we know.
Who is in the Lilo & Stitch live-action cast?
Maia Kealoha, six, a newcomer to the industry, will portray the main character Lilo Pelekai.
The original film followed the fortunes of the Hawaiian girl, who was raised by her older sister Nani after their parents’ death.
Chris Sanders, who has contributed to every Lilo & Stitch film so far, will once more provide the voice of the second titular character, Stitch.
Sydney Agudong, 22, who has been in numerous small television productions since 2021, will play Lilo's sister, Nani. This role will mark her big-screen debut.
The Hollywood Reporter says Kahiau Machado will play Nani’s friend David Kawena.
The Hangover franchise's Zach Galifianakis and No Time To Die's Billy Magnussen are also involved in the project, although their exact roles aren’t yet known.
When is the new Lilo & Stitch out?
A official release date has not yet been revealed. However, IMDb predicts the film will be out in 2024.
The live-action version will be set in Hawaii like the original.
The film follows Lilo and Stitch as they form an unbreakable relationship while being pursued by social workers and government agents.
Did you know this about Lilo & Stitch?
Upon graduating from the California Institute of Arts, Sanders used the idea he had for an unsuccessful children's book pitch to create the Stitch character.
A few years later, he worked for Disney as a storyboard artist on The Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mulan.
He eventually submitted the idea of Stitch at a Disney story retreat, and the company teamed him up with Dean DeBlois for the project. The pair are also the brains behind the How to Train Your Dragon animated franchise.
The original Lilo & Stitch’s success led to a franchise that includes three direct-to-video sequels, beginning with Stitch! The Movie, and three television series. These included the sequel series Lilo & Stitch: The Series and spin-offs Stitch! and Stitch & Ai.
