You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

by

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Lilo & Stitch.

The 2025 live-action version of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” stands out among all other live-action Disney films, setting an unprecedented record during its debut. After premiering on May 23, 2025, the movie broke box office records over Memorial Day Weekend, garnering a staggering $183 million in its first four days. The 2025 remake of “Lilo & Stitch” introduced several changes from the 2002 animated version, which has sparked some debate among viewers. Critics generally praised the film, awarding it a Rotten Tomatoes score of 69%.

The animated film “Lilo & Stitch” is demonstrating a strong recovery in Disney’s lineup of recent live-action adaptations, particularly following the underperformance of “Snow White” earlier this year. In fact, “Lilo & Stitch” is poised to outdo Snow White’s global box office earnings (approximately $205 million) before its second weekend even begins. Historically, Disney has made alterations to its contemporary live-action remakes to bring a modern twist to their classic animated stories, which sometimes leads to fan dissatisfaction and debate. However, “Lilo & Stitch” introduces one beneficial modification that enhances the character of Nani.

Lilo & Stitch’s 2025 Remake Gives Nani More Depth

Nani’s Backstory & Added Motivations Enhance Her Character

In the 2025 version of Lilo & Stitch, the character Nani, played by Sydney Agudong, has a more developed background and goals compared to her counterpart in the 2002 original film. Unlike the original Nani, who primarily focused on caring for Lilo while pursuing a dual role as mother and sister, the remake’s Nani harbors a passion for marine biology that she had to put aside due to circumstances. This change not only influences Nani’s character but also alters the ending of the 2025’s Lilo & Stitch.

Among the notable transformations in Disney’s classic animated movies versus their live-action adaptations, Nani’s character growth might represent one of the most significant enhancements made to a Disney character thus far.

In addition to making Nani appear more understanding and similar to ordinary people, it also contributes to her being more multidimensional and authentic – a character with imperfections who deserves joy and satisfaction, but is limited by circumstantial and societal constraints. The choice Nani makes to relinquish guardianship of Lilo, which she would not have done in the original film, better reflects real-life situations. However, her character’s conclusion maintains that classic Disney enchantment.

How The New Nani Transforms The Themes Of Lilo & Stitch

Nani Chooses Not To Leave Herself & Her Ambitions Behind

In Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, Nani’s character growth reinforces the core theme from the original animated movie, “Ohana.” At the film’s end, as Stitch explains to the Grand Councilwoman, “Ohana means family” and “Family means no one gets left behind.“. This “no one gets left behind” idea is expanded upon in the remake by emphasizing that it not only applies to others but also to oneself. Previously, Nani had been struggling and making sacrifices for Lilo’s care, hindering her own professional growth.

How Lilo & Stitch’s Story Changes Improved Nani

Nani Is Able To Achieve Her Own Happy Ending

The fact that Nani manages to go to college and accomplish her academic aspirations in the revised version presents a happier and more satisfying conclusion for her character compared to the initial film. In contrast to her traditional matriarchal role in the original story, the addition of Tutu, a fresh character not present in the first movie, who ends up taking care of Lilo, paints a picture of a unique family setup where Nani isn’t burdened by having to suppress her personal ambitions for Lilo.

In a broader sense, the essence of “Ohana” transcends mere blood relations, thus making Tutu’s presence all the more significant. Furthermore, Nani’s smart move with the portal gun results in a wittier conclusion for the movie Lilo & Stitch, implying that Nani and Lilo remain closer than they seem to be at first glance.

Read More

2025-05-28 12:27