In the same vein as other Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book and the upcoming Aladdin, the animated movie Lilo and Stitch is also being transformed into a live-action, CGI hybrid film.
Released in 2002, the original 2D film was relatively successful, earning over $273 million globally. The story told the tale of a young, lonely girl living in Hawaii who befriends an alien, dog-like creature and teaches him how to love. It is beloved for its take on the importance of family. The film also launched multiple direct-to-video spinoffs and a T.V. series.
Screenwriter Mike Van Waes is set to write the script for the remake, with producers set to be Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who are already creating the live-action remake of Aladdin. Ryan Halprin has been hired as co-producer.
Lin has produced other films including It, the Lego films and the Sherlock Holmes series.
It is unsure as to whether the remake will be released in theatres or if it is meant for release in Disney’s new streaming service, which is set for launch next year.
Disney has had strong success by recreating its previous films into live-action movies, attracting not only children, but nostalgic adults. Dumbo and The Lion King are also planned for release in the upcoming future.
It is unknown as to which actors will be cast. Many fans hope that the film will honour the original movie’s Hawaiian roots by having a native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander cast and filming on location in Hawaii.
Some fans are concerned that a live-action remake will not suit the style of Lilo and Stitch. Many fans hope that it will be done tastefully and that it will live up to the original film. Fans hope the film will be as successful as previous Disney live-action remakes.
The release date is yet to be announced.