Lilo & Stitch: Every Major Change The Remake Made To The Original

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In theaters now, Lilo & Stitch is drawing massive crowds, with its beloved blue extraterrestrial character winning over old fans while also attracting new ones to the series. Just like any modern adaptation, this live-action version has some differences compared to the original animated film. These alterations include adjustments to the plot, roles of specific characters, and even the introduction of entirely new characters. While some modifications have been well-received, others have sparked controversy among those who prefer the original untouched. We’ve gathered all the significant and minor changes made in the animated version in one spot, and we’ll kick things off by discussing a brand-new character introduced in this adaptation.

1. Grandma Tutu

In the live-action adaptation, a fresh character named Tutu enters the series, portrayed by Amy Hill. This character is revealed as David Kawena’s grandmother, sharing a boundary with his aunts Nani and Lilo. Interestingly, Tutu plays a pivotal role in two major alterations to the original narrative. She is present when Lilo brings Stitch home for the first time, showing concern for her niece during a challenging period. Believing a pet could help Lilo make a friend, Tutu takes the initiative despite initial resistance from Nani, eventually warming up to the idea.

In the closing scenes of the movie, Tutu plays a crucial role as she facilitates Lilo moving in with her and her companion, David, which allows Nani to chase her aspirations in marine biology. It’s Tutu who manages to sort things out with the social worker, and she is the one who motivates Nani not to abandon her dreams from the past.

2. Sandwich Day Abomination

In the original animation, there’s a funny scene involving Lilo and her pet fish, Pudge, that doesn’t show up in the live-action remake. Instead of being late for Hula class due to unspecified reasons, as depicted in the movie, Lilo explains her tardiness in the animated version, which is caused by an issue with Pudge. On Thursdays, she usually feeds Pudge a peanut butter sandwich, but unfortunately, they had run out of peanut butter that day. She shares this predicament with Moses.

In response to Lilo’s inquiry about alternatives, her sister suggested a tuna sandwich. This prompted Lilo to exclaim, “I can’t feed Pudge tuna! Don’t you know what tuna is? It’s fish! If I gave Pudge tuna, I’d be doing something terrible! I’m running late because I had to rush to the store and buy peanut butter since all we have is smelly Tuna!” When Moses inquired about the significance of this, Lilo explained, “Pudge has power over the weather.

3. Voodoo Dolls

In the movie, Lilo’s tiny stuffed friend Scrump appears, even though the part where she presents him to her classmates isn’t shown. Similarly, there are other scenes involving her classmates that didn’t transfer over from the original, such as the famous scene where Lilo uses voodoo dolls to retaliate against those who bullied her, which is also missing.

At a certain point in the film, Cobra Bubbles unexpectedly finds Lilo engaged in a task, during which he notices a book titled “Practical Voodoo” as part of her project. Lilo is depicted inserting spoons she’s decorated to resemble her “friends” into a container filled with liquid. When Cobra Bubbles looks at her, she states, “It appears my friends require some form of discipline.

4. A New Social Worker (but An Original Actor)

In the new live-action adaptation, I’m thrilled to see Cobra Bubbles back in action, but it’s important to note that he’s not the main social worker this time around. That honor goes to Mrs. Kekoa, brilliantly portrayed by Tia Carrere. Interestingly enough, Carrere was previously Nani in the original movie, and now she’s stepping into a different role as part of the live-action remake. Just like Bubbles from the original storyline, she’s eager to collaborate with Nani to ensure she and Lilo stay together.

5. Cobra Bubbles’ New Role

In both adaptations of Lilo & Stitch, Cobra Bubbles plays a significant part, although certain aspects have been adjusted, particularly concerning his chronology. In the initial film, Bubbles starts off as a social worker, but it’s unveiled later that he was previously a CIA operative and retains numerous contacts, which enables him to strike a deal to keep Stitch on Earth and conceal his extraterrestrial existence. Additionally, Bubbles’ history at Roswell and previous experiences facilitate smoother interactions with the Grand Councilwoman.

In this live-action adaptation, Bubbles works for the CIA, primarily dealing with extraterrestrial matters. Disguised as a social worker, he seeks to interact with an alien character. While certain similarities persist in his interactions with Lilo, Nani, and Stitch, the main focus of his role is apprehending Stitch and other aliens, such as Pleakly. However, it’s worth noting that he eventually resolves issues with the Grand Councilwoman at the end of the film. Courtney B. Vance portrays this character.

6. No Disguises

Regarding disguises, Jumba and Pleakley abandon the comical external costumes seen in the initial animated film and instead choose more sophisticated ones. In this new adaptation, they possess gadgets that grant them the ability to transform into humans instantly. Consequently, throughout various scenes in the movie, they appear as actors Zach Galifianakis (Jumba) and Billy Magnussen (Pleakley).

In an interview, director Dean Fleischer Camp shared that he aimed to include the iconic disguises from the original animated film in the live-action remake, and he even unveiled early designs for Pleakley’s disguise. Camp mentioned that he had received questions about why Pleakley was no longer wearing a dress, to which he replied, “I really gave it my best shot. I truly did.

7. Portal Guns

As Pleakley and Jumba chase after Stitch, they introduce some innovative equipment, including Portal guns – a novelty not seen in the initial film. Capable of opening instantaneous doorways, these devices also provide ample opportunities for comedic situations involving Stitch. Notably, Jumba plays a significant role in many of these humorous incidents throughout the movie.

8. Villainous Jumba

As we delve into discussions about Jumba, it’s crucial to note that he undergoes a significant character transformation compared to the original. The initial plot points, particularly those involving the creation of Stitch, remain consistent. However, once they reach Earth, Jumba deviates significantly from the original storyline. In this adaptation, Jumba is portrayed by Zach Galifianakis, who is renowned for his endearing and eccentric characters. Yet, unlike many of his roles, this version of Jumba isn’t lovable or quirky; instead, he is relentlessly pursuing Stitch to capture him and protect himself.

In the original Lilo & Stitch movie, I’d say Jumba was somewhat antagonistic but with a heart of gold, eventually teaming up with Stitch and the family to defeat the real villain. By the series, he became even more endearing and settled down with the family alongside Pleakley, embarking on new adventures together. However, in this adaptation, Jumba remains the primary antagonist, persistently trying to strip Stitch of his ability to love and transform him into Experiment 627. This is a departure from the original film as well, where Jumba’s role was different.

9. Missing Captain Gantu

A crucial factor leading to Jumba’s shift in actions is that Captain Gantu does not appear in the movie at all. In the original story, Gantu served as the Grand Councilwoman’s right-hand man and was the main villain, although he wasn’t inherently evil. Known for his ruthless efficiency in carrying out tasks, Gantu was essentially an enforcer of the Galactic Federation. He spared no effort in trying to capture Stitch in the original film. With Gantu absent from this movie, it is Jumba who takes on the primary antagonist role.

10. The Final Action Sequence

Because certain past alterations dictate it, the major action scene undergoes noticeable adjustments. The pursuit of Gantu’s ship by Stitch’s family and companions, with Lilo being held captive, is no longer present as Gantu is absent from the movie. Instead, this transforms into a confrontation on Jumba’s vessel between Jumba, Stitch, and Lilo. This entire sequence is newly created due to these circumstances, eliminating scenes like Stitch launching from a fuel tanker or Jumba piloting another ship alongside Nani.

Instead, we have a sequence in which Stitch volunteers himself to Jumba, but Lilo secretly tags along and frees Stitch. Together, they manage to trap Jumba behind the broken door of his damaged spaceship before it plunges. This triggers a sequence where Nani demonstrates the family’s motto (“Ohana” means family, and “family” means no one gets left behind) by bravely swimming out and retrieving Stitch from the water to safety. This scene is also connected to another touching and amusing moment that features a photograph.

11. The Ending

In this new version, Lilo’s acquisition of Stitch from the pet shop is no longer relevant, but the most significant difference lies with Lilo and her aunt Nani. Unlike in the original animated film where they rebuild their house and live together, the live-action portrays a different outcome. This is due to the movie delving deeper into Nani’s personal life, showing her as more than just Lilo’s older sister and guardian. It’s revealed that she had chosen to forgo college to pursue marine biology, prioritizing her presence for Lilo instead.

In the progression of the film, she grapples with the idea that while she yearns to be the guardian Lilo requires, she may not genuinely be capable. Eventually, she is persuaded by social workers that this is what’s best for Lilo, but Jumba’s pursuit of Stitch disrupts all of these plans. By the finale, it turns out that Tutu is the one who applies to become Lilo’s guardian, so that they can live next door to each other. However, Tutu and Lilo also suggest that Nani should attend the school she loves and pursue her dreams, a wish they believe her parents would have wanted for her too.

A delightful aspect of the story is that, thanks to the remaining portal guns, Nani frequently drops by to visit Lilo, even tucking her in at night. This means that not only does Lilo have ample time to follow her own interests, but she continues to be an integral part of Lilo’s life. Additionally, it is hinted that Bubbles often visits and may even spend some nights there, as he checks on Lilo while they enjoy movies downstairs together.

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2025-05-28 02:41