Which Character Designs Top the Rankings?

The live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved animated film, Lilo & Stitch, has garnered much attention since its release on May 23, 2025. While it has faced some criticism for certain character changes, overall, the film has been praised for its charm and fidelity to the original storyline. With a box office gross of £1.03 billion, it has become a summer blockbuster and a streaming favourite on Disney+. This article will explore the character designs of the live-action film compared to their animated counterparts, providing insights into the successes and failures of this adaptation.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The live-action Lilo & Stitch has received positive reviews and grossed over £1.03 billion worldwide.
• While some characters closely resemble their animated versions, others underwent significant changes.
• Stitch's design is praised for its fidelity to the original character.
• Controversy surrounded the casting of Nani, with discussions about representation and character design.
• Overall, the film is considered one of the most successful live-action Disney remakes to date.

A Closer Look at the Characters

Ice Cream Guy: A Missed Opportunity

In the original 2002 animated film, the Ice Cream Guy is a memorable character, particularly known for his distinctive sunburn and tank-top tan line. Unfortunately, the live-action version misses the mark, presenting a character who lacks the iconic sunburn. Instead of serving ice cream, he eats Hawaiian shaved ice, a change that many fans found unnecessary. This alteration reflects a broader trend in the remake to provide a fresh take on familiar characters, though not all changes have been well-received.

Cobra Bubbles: A Lack of Physicality

Cobra Bubbles, portrayed by Courtney B. Vance, is depicted as a former CIA agent in both the animated and live-action films. However, many fans felt that Vance did not exude the physical intimidation that the character demands. Although he retains the character's signature gold earring and suit, some believe that a younger actor with a more imposing presence would have been a better fit. This divergence in casting decisions raises questions about how the filmmakers prioritised representation versus authenticity in character portrayal.

David: A Mixed Bag

Kaipo Dudoit plays David, who is characterised as a Hawaiian fire performer and lifeguard. While his performance is commendable, fans noted a significant difference in hairstyle compared to the animated version. David's longer hair with a middle part is noticeably absent in the live-action adaptation, leaving some fans wishing for a closer alignment with the original character design. This change reflects a trend towards modernising characters, yet raises discussions about staying true to classic depictions.

Nani: Representation and Design Controversies

Sydney Elizebeth Agudong's portrayal of Nani has sparked considerable debate. While Agudong’s performance effectively captures Nani's struggles as a caregiver, her lighter skin tone compared to the animated character drew criticism. The inclusion of large gold hoop earrings and a bun hairstyle further distances her from the original design. Agudong’s mixed heritage, which includes Filipino and Polynesian roots, has led to discussions about the complexities of casting in adaptations and the importance of representation in animated films.

Grand Councilwoman: Minor Changes, Major Presence

The Grand Councilwoman, while not a leading character, has a commanding presence in both versions. The live-action adaptation retains much of her design, although some fans have pointed out that her antler-like accessory appears smaller and differently shaped. Additionally, the portrayal of her eyes lacks the depth from the animated version. However, these criticisms are relatively minor, suggesting that the overall design effectively respects the source material.

Lilo: A Perfect Match

Maia Kealoha's portrayal of Lilo has been widely acclaimed. At only seven years old during filming, she embodies the energetic spirit of her animated counterpart. Kealoha's performance, combined with Lilo's red T-shirt adorned with white flowers, pays homage to the original character's design. This fidelity to the character's essence has made Lilo one of the standout aspects of the live-action film, demonstrating how a strong performance can enhance a character's adaptation.

Pleakley: Embracing Alien Design

Pleakley's design in the live-action film is another highlight. When he appears in his alien form, the character closely resembles his animated version, featuring a slim figure, three fingers, and a single antenna. The creative team ensured that the uniform aligns with the original, which has pleased many fans. This successful transition demonstrates how some characters can maintain their charm while adapting for a new medium.

Jumba: A Faithful Adaptation

Similar to Pleakley, Jumba's character design in the live-action version is largely faithful to the animated depiction. With four eyes and a plump figure, Jumba retains his distinctive look, albeit with slightly more hair than in the original. This attention to detail in the character's design has been praised, although some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes to his character arc. Nonetheless, the visual representation of Jumba stands out as a success in the adaptation.

Stitch: The Heart of the Film

Stitch's design was crucial to the success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, and thankfully, the filmmakers delivered. Stitch closely resembles his animated counterpart, featuring blue fur, large floppy ears, and expressive eyes. The inclusion of details like the strands of hair atop his head highlights the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity. This successful design not only captures Stitch’s essence but also reassures fans that their beloved character was treated with the utmost care.

Conclusion: A Remake Worth Watching

The live-action Lilo & Stitch has certainly made waves in the film industry, especially with its impressive box office performance and streaming success. While opinions vary on specific character designs and changes, the film successfully captures the heart and spirit of the original. As adaptations continue to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how future projects balance modernisation with the nostalgia of beloved classics. Will they achieve the same level of success, or will they falter in the face of fan expectations? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What changes were made to the character designs in the live-action Lilo & Stitch?

Some character designs in the live-action Lilo & Stitch differ significantly from their animated counterparts, such as changes to hairstyles and clothing. For example, David's hairstyle and Nani's skin tone sparked discussions about representation.

How successful has the live-action Lilo & Stitch been at the box office?

The live-action Lilo & Stitch has grossed over £1.03 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year and a summer blockbuster success.

Who plays Lilo in the live-action remake?

Maia Kealoha plays the role of Lilo in the live-action adaptation. Her performance has been widely praised for capturing the character's spirit and energy.

What controversies surrounded the casting of Nani?

Nani's casting of Sydney Elizebeth Agudong raised concerns regarding representation and skin tone, as some fans felt her appearance did not closely match that of the animated character.

Is Stitch's design faithful to the original animated film?

Yes, Stitch's design in the live-action film closely resembles his animated counterpart, featuring similar colours, features, and overall cuteness that fans have come to love.