Trailer Review: Lilo & Stitch (2025) – Live Action
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

Disney has finally dropped the first trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025), and it’s already tugging at our nostalgic heartstrings. Starring Maia Kealoha as the iconic Lilo, the trailer offers a glimpse into a reimagined version of the beloved animated classic—now with a mix of heartfelt realism and updated visual effects.

From the opening shots of the Hawaiian coastline to the first reveal of Stitch (who looks surprisingly expressive in CGI), the trailer balances wonder and emotion in a way that feels true to the original. Maia Kealoha shines in the lead role, capturing Lilo’s quirky charm and emotional depth with ease—even in just a few brief scenes.

The chemistry between Lilo and her older sister Nani, played by Sydney Agudong, already hints at the emotional weight the film is aiming for. The trailer gives us quick glimpses of iconic moments—Lilo’s hula dancing, the “ohana means family” quote, and a chaotic Stitch chase sequence through a small town—that suggest a faithful adaptation with some new twists.

While fans were skeptical about how Stitch would look in live action, the design seems to have struck a decent balance: he’s still cute, still chaotic, but grounded enough to blend into the real world. Some viewers may still need time to adjust, but overall, the visual effects are a step up from previous live-action attempts.

The tone of the trailer feels right—funny, heartfelt, and just a little wild. There’s a sense that this isn’t just a frame-for-frame remake, but rather a thoughtful update that respects the original while bringing new energy for a new generation.

If the full film delivers what the trailer promises, Lilo & Stitch (2025) could be one of Disney’s better live-action remakes in recent years. Fingers crossed that ohana still means family—no one left behind or forgotten.