The following contains spoilers for the ending of the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.
As a cinephile, I must say that the live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” has truly resonated with the viewers. This film has become an incredible box office sensation, and while most are applauding it for preserving the same heartfelt emotional impact as the original, there have been some constructive criticisms about how the narrative was reimagined in this new adaptation.
Many have criticized the movie adaptation for altering Jumba and Plekley’s characters, or for not featuring Gantu, but most complaints seem to center around the modified ending. Compared to the animated version, this new ending shifts the status quo for several characters. However, director Dean Fleischer Camp argues that those who are vocal about their discontent may not have even watched the film yet. As he told Variety…
After giving it some thought, I believe that many critics are judging the premise unfairly because they haven’t watched the movie. Their comments often contain inaccuracies about the plot. However, when one watches the film, it becomes clear that the story isn’t as misaligned as it may seem from their descriptions. The intention of the filmmaking becomes evident and enhances the viewing experience.
In the initial movie, Nani manages to keep Lilo with her in the end, and together they establish their unique family including Stitch. But, a fresh character named Tutu steps in to take care of Lilo in the sequel, enabling Nani to pursue college education. Some viewers think that this new ending significantly alters the original film’s message, but the director clarifies that this idea was proposed by Chris Sanders, the creator of “Lilo & Stitch” and a native Hawaiian, who felt that the movie’s conclusion should be modified according to his vision. He further explained…
Chris, hailing from Hawaii, made an insightful point early on in our conversations that stood out significantly. He found it implausible that the two orphaned sisters would be left to survive on their own. Drawing upon his personal experiences, he expressed, ‘In my Hawaiian community, neighbors, religious groups, extended family members like aunts and uncles, they’d all intervene. That’s the Hawaii I grew up in.’ This perspective led him to develop the character of Tutu, who eventually accepts Lilo as hanai – a culturally significant term representing an informal adoption that transcends blood relations and relies on love, responsibility towards the community, and care for one another.
At TopMob, opinions vary. Some team members appreciate the revised ending of Lilo & Stitch, while others remain unsettled by it. Given that the 2002 film’s theme revolves around two sisters reuniting and acknowledging their bond as more than just responsibility, the new ending undeniably brings about substantial changes.
It appears that this was indeed the intention. Dean Fleischer Camp made it clear that recreating the original beat for beat wasn’t something people were keen on doing. Although the director acknowledges not everyone might appreciate such a substantial change, he still believes the new film’s ending is sincere, just expressed in a different manner. He stated…
It’s clear that not everyone might be pleased with these remakes, given their attachment to the original films. After all, these movies hold a special place in our hearts as they were part of our childhood. However, instead of merely recreating the same moments from the original film, we aimed to craft a narrative that reflects the reality of losing everything yet managing to move forward. It’s crucial to acknowledge that some are left behind, as Nani points out, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they aren’t forgotten by society.
It appears that the debate about the ending of Lilo & Stitch seems rooted in a larger concern regarding Disney’s live-action adaptations. Some viewers seem to prefer these adaptations to merely rehash the original story, with the only difference being the format change.
Many people are eager to witness the remakes presenting classic tales with fresh perspectives. Indeed, the director is correct that no choice would ever satisfy everyone entirely. This explanation, however, should encourage even those who were initially disappointed by the ending to reconsider watching it again. If you’re among those still keen on catching Lilo & Stitch, one of the highly anticipated films set for release in 2025, you can catch it at your nearest cinema right now.
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2025-06-09 18:11