It’s been 22 years since Lilo & Stitch first crash-landed into theaters—and much like Stitch himself, it’s still causing chaos in the best way possible. Equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and just the right amount of weird, this Disney cult classic continues to resonate with kids, adults, and Elvis fans alike.
And with the live-action/CG hybrid remake set to premiere on May 23, 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the legacy of Lilo & Stitch—plus share some fun facts you might not know about the original and what’s to come.
What is Lilo & Stitch about?
At its core, Lilo & Stitch is about family—specifically, the messy, chaotic, loyal, and unconditional kind of family. The story follows Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl being raised by her older sister Nani, who adopts a dog from the local shelter… except, surprise! That “dog” is Stitch, a genetically engineered alien fugitive with a taste for destruction.
Cue surfboards, space chases, and more Elvis songs than you’d expect from a kids’ movie.
Fun Fact #1: Stitch was created way back in 1985
Chris Sanders, one of Disney’s longtime storyboard artists, created Stitch not for a movie but a children’s book that never got published. Years later, when he was asked to pitch a new animated feature, he dusted off the concept and reimagined Stitch as a film star. The rest is intergalactic history.
Sanders didn’t just create Stitch—he voiced him, too. Yep, that gravelly alien voice? 100% Sanders.
Fun Fact #2: The movie was initially set in Kansas
Yes, really. Lilo & Stitch would take place in early development in Kansas, evoking major Wizard of Oz vibes. But Sanders and co-director Dean DeBlois wanted something more unique. So they pivoted to Hawaii, which became one of the movie’s most important—and beloved—aspects.
It was the first prominent animated feature ever set in Hawaii, and the choice helped spotlight local culture, language, and music in a way Disney hadn’t done before.
Fun Fact #3: The original spaceship scene was altered after 9/11
One of the film’s most memorable moments is when Stitch hijacks a spaceship and crash-lands it in a city. Originally, the animation had Stitch flying a Boeing 747 through skyscrapers—until the events of 9/11 forced the filmmakers to scrap and reanimate the sequence using a fictional alien spacecraft. The scene still works, but the change reflects just how quickly Hollywood had to pivot in the early 2000s.
Fun Fact #4: The film is loaded with Elvis Presley music
There are five Elvis songs in Lilo & Stitch, including “Stuck on You” and “Suspicious Minds.” That’s more than some actual Elvis movies.
Why the King of Rock & Roll? Lilo is a huge fan, and Stitch takes a page out of Elvis’ book in more ways than one—hair, dance moves, and attitude included.
Fun sidebar: the UK trailers used Gareth Gates’ cover of “Suspicious Minds,” while the U.S. opted for the classic “Hound Dog.”
Fun fact #5: It beat Treasure Planet at the box office
Disney had big hopes for 2002’s Treasure Planet, which had a budget of $140 million and flopped hard. Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch—made for a relatively modest $80 million—became a sleeper hit, earning $273.1 million worldwide and giving Disney the desperately needed win.
Moral of the story: Sometimes a mischievous blue alien can save the day.
Fun Fact #6: The live-action remake has had a bumpy ride
The remake, announced in 2018, faced numerous delays due to COVID, a set fire that triggered an arson investigation, and the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes. Casting also sparked some controversy. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong was cast as Nani, but fans noted that her skin tone was lighter than the animated version, leading to accusations of colorism.
Meanwhile, Kahiau Machado was dropped from the role of David Kawena after social media posts containing racial slurs were uncovered. Kaipot Dudoit replaced him.
Fun Fact #7: Several original cast members are coming back
Fans of the original film will be happy to hear that Chris Sanders will reprise his role as the voice of Stitch, the creature he created and voiced over 20 years ago. Meanwhile, Tia Carrere (the original Nani) and Amy Hill (Mrs. Hasagawa) will also return—though they’re playing new characters this time: Mrs. Kekoa and Tūtū, respectively.
Newcomer Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, with Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani and Kaipot Dudoit as David. Rounding out the cast? Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles. Yes, really.
Final Fun Fact: Lilo & Stitch lost the Oscar to Spirited Away
The 2002 Academy Awards marked the second year for the Best Animated Feature category, and Lilo & Stitch snagged a nomination. However, it lost to Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki’s now-iconic masterpiece.
Still, there’s an unexpected link: Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo, also voiced the English dub of Spirited Away’s protagonist, Chihiro. Talk about a double win.
So whether you’re a lifelong fan or brand new to Ohana, Lilo & Stitch remains a pop culture gem that’s still breaking the mold—and now gearing up for a brand-new adventure in 2025. Buckle up. Stitch probably stole the keys again.
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