Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Remake Adds Controversial Change to Nani’s Role

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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for 2025’s Lilo & Stitch!

In simpler terms, the 2025 live-action remake of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” has stirred up a lot of debate due to its numerous changes from the 2002 animated original. While alterations to Nani’s character have sparked much discussion, many viewers might have overlooked one significant change in her storyline. Unlike her 2002 version, the 2025 Nani has different aspirations and a distinct ending for “Lilo & Stitch.” This conclusion has left some fans disappointed, but an early shift in the remake hints at the unusual direction the film took.

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that the 2025 version of “Lilo & Stitch” stays true to its roots compared to other Disney live-action reboots. Yet, it doesn’t stop it from making numerous adjustments, most of which are regrettable in my opinion. The character of Jumba, for instance, is transformed into the film’s primary antagonist. Characters like Tutu and the social worker are either given more importance or introduced anew, while unfortunately, original characters such as Captain Gantu are entirely left out.

The most contentious decision in this remake might be Nani giving Lilo away to her neighbors at the end of the film. However, it’s not the only questionable choice made.

Nani Takes Lilo To Adopt Stitch In The Original Movie (But She Isn’t Involved In The Remake)

She Does It Because She Loves Lilo

In the updated live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch,” there’s a significant alteration in how Nani becomes involved with adopting Stitch. Unlike the original film, where Lilo is deeply lonely and yearns for a friend, this time around, Lilo already has friends. When Stitch lands on Earth, Lilo mistakes him for a fallen star, expressing her hope for a new companion. Overhearing this, Nani takes the initiative. The following day, instead of taking Lilo to an animal shelter to adopt a dog, as in the original story, she helps Lilo bring home Stitch, who they encounter at a different location, ultimately leading to the rest of the movie’s events.

In the 2025 remake, things unfold differently than before. After Lilo witnesses a shooting star and expresses her wish for a friend, Tutu, their neighbor, decides to help. Consequently, Tutu accompanies Lilo to the animal shelter where she eventually meets Stitch. Upon returning home with this new pet, Lilo surprises Nani, who initially dislikes Stitch but eventually grows fond of him by the film’s end.

Nani Not Being Involved In Stitch’s Adoption Takes Away From Her Love Of Lilo

It Makes Their Relationship Weaker

In the original movie, it’s clear that Nani is covertly working on fulfilling Lilo’s wish, indicating her deep affection for her sister. This is apparent as she recognizes Lilo’s loneliness and takes steps to alleviate it. With a full plate of work and caring for Lilo, adding a dog would only increase her stress levels. Yet, despite these challenges, Nani chooses to bring Stitch into their lives because of her strong bond with Lilo.

Leaving Nani out of deciding whether Lilo should get a dog results in a layer of affection being lost. Previously, Nani’s frustrations with Stitch held significance because they stemmed from her love for Lilo. Now, she merely has to cope with those frustrations due to the addition of an unwanted dog. This unusual decision seems to undermine Nani and Lilo’s relationship, which is unexpected given that the film aims to prioritize it more than the original did.

Tutu Taking Nani’s Role Makes The Controversial Ending Make More Sense

Based On The Controversial Ending

Despite the questionable nature of this alteration, it paves the way for Lilo & Stitch’s contentious ending effectively. When Tutu decides to get Lilo a dog, it demonstrates her deep affection for Lilo. It might seem peculiar for her to enlist Nani in caring for a dog, but it underscores her concern for Lilo. Therefore, it is logical for Tutu to be the one that Nani leaves Lilo with when she goes to college. However, this resolution remains problematic and challenging to improve, regardless of the approach taken. Nevertheless, this element can be seen as a positive aspect in favor of the remake of Lilo & Stitch.

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2025-06-05 17:48