Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Remake Perfectly Highlights Stitch’s Biggest Weakness

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One notable improvement in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch stands out compared to the original animated film, despite the fact that many consider it one of Disney’s finest live-action remakes. Nevertheless, critics and viewers have identified several flaws within the movie. One such issue is the portrayal of Jumba, who appears as a less compelling character in the new version. This is primarily due to his lack of development compared to the animated film. Given that Jumba plays the main antagonist in the live-action remake, the absence of Captain Gunta is particularly disappointing.

Regarding its challenges, reviews for the film “Lilo & Stitch” have remained strong, with Ebaster’s critic Mary Kassel giving it a 7 out of 10. Furthermore, this movie has been an enormous box office hit, generating $610 million at global box offices (as per Box Office Mojo). Consequently, it’s evident that “Lilo & Stitch” has been a significant triumph for Disney. On the narrative side, there’s one alteration in the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie that I believe improves upon the animated version.

Lilo & Stitch Reveals That Stitch Is Afraid Of Water Due To His Molecular Density

Stitch Immediately Sinks When He’s In Water

At the outset of Disney’s recent live-action reboot, Stitch is virtually branded as a monstrosity and condemned to exile by the United Galactic Federation. Yet, before the leaders of this cosmic federation could intervene personally, Stich commandeers a patrol vehicle and employs its warp drive to navigate towards Earth. Initially, the Grand Councilwoman views his journey to Earth as inconsequential due to the planet’s predominantly watery composition. In a discussion between her and Jumba, it is disclosed that Stitch’s molecular structure will cause him to sink instantly in water.

From this discussion, it’s clear that Stitch’s proximity to water could potentially be fatal. Given his weakness in the ocean where he loses most of his strength, this fear he displays in the movie seems entirely justified. Interestingly, this is a bit ironic considering he ends up on an island surrounded by water. Unfortunately for the United Galactic Federation, Stitch’s crash-landing in Hawaii isn’t beneficial; hence, the Grand Councilwoman dispatches Jumba and Pleakley to apprehend him.

The Lilo & Stitch Ending Adds New Visual Of The Duo After Escaping Jumba’s Ship

Lilo & Stitch’s Ending Is Much Different From The Animated Movie

In the latest movie, Jumba and Pleakley’s pursuit of Stitch culminates in them interfering with him when he’s riding waves alongside Nani, Lilo, and unexpectedly, Stitch almost meets his watery demise. This marks a near-drowning incident for Stitch for the first time. Once they tumbled off the surfboard, Stitch accidentally dragged Lilo along with him. Despite his intentions not being malicious, Stitch was in desperate need of aid while underwater. Fortunately, both Lilo and Stitch managed to escape the water unscathed, but they encountered yet another near-miss incident at the end of the film. This final close call is a noticeable departure from the original animated movie.

In the cartoon movie “Lilo & Stitch”, our heroes Lilo and Stitch find themselves perched on a ship’s wing following their victory over Gantu, the film’s primary villain. After the duo defeats Gantu, they receive assistance from David, Nani, Jumba, and Pleakley to return to shore. Contrastingly, the conclusion of the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie takes a different turn, as Stitch almost meets his watery demise again. In this version, Lilo and Stitch engage in combat with Jumba instead of Gantu, resulting in his ship being destroyed. After their fierce battle, the wreckage plunges into the ocean, sending our heroes splashing into the water.

In the movie’s finale, since Stitch can’t swim and Lilo isn’t strong enough to pull him ashore, the adorable blue alien nearly meets his demise by drowning. However, this ending carries an extra emotional punch because Stitch essentially gives up his life to allow Nani to save Lilo. Remarkably, once she confirms that Lilo is safe, Nani manages to bring the stranded Stitch back to dry land. In the end, it’s Nani who rescues Stitch by swimming along the sea bottom until they reach the beach.

The New Lilo & Stitch Scene Adds New Layers To Stitch Becoming A Changed Person

Stitch Undergoes A Lot Of Development In Lilo & Stitch

In the live-action version of the film, Stitch nearly meets his end rather than drowning like in the animated movie, marking a significant enhancement. The scene where Lilo saves Stitch by pushing him underwater on a surfboard earlier in the story serves as a precursor to this. Contrastingly, at the movie’s conclusion, Stich releases Lilo, choosing instead to descend to the ocean floor himself. This demonstrates that Stitch has experienced significant character growth throughout the film, transforming into a more selfless being.

In the finale of Lilo & Stitch, Stitch’s selfless act not only resonates deeply but also symbolizes his growth, despite the live-action adaptation omitting the Ugly Duckling storyline from the animated film. Through reading the Ugly Duckling book in the original movie, Stitch learned about family, a lesson that is evident in his actions in the live-action version as well, albeit indirectly shown. Specifically, Stitch’s ultimate sacrifice for Lilo demonstrates that he has experienced similar character development, even without the Ugly Duckling storyline. The poignant scene of Stitch sinking while making his unique hand gestures that Lilo had taught him earlier in the film adds an extra emotional layer to his selfless act.

The Lilo & Stitch Remake Illustrates Stitch’s Fear Better Than The Original

The Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Properly Explains Stitch’s Fear

In summary, although both supporters and detractors have identified numerous issues in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, one improvement over the original animated version is more effectively highlighting Stitch’s vulnerability around water. Unlike the original movie where Stitch nearly drowns only once, this fear and weakness of his are significantly developed in the live-action film, culminating as a key element in its conclusion.

It’s clear that Stitch didn’t meet his end at the conclusion of the live-action remake. However, the near-drowning scene at the end of Lilo & Stitch remains heartbreaking and provides valuable insights into his character. The reference to Stitch’s molecular density in the live-action movie, though brief, effectively explains why he can’t swim. This detail was somewhat underdeveloped in the original animated film, but it’s nicely addressed in the live-action version. Consequently, I’m pleased to note that not all alterations made in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film are negative.

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2025-06-02 16:58