Lilo & Stitch marks a potential turning point in Disney’s rocky journey with live-action adaptations. Past remakes like Mulan, The Little Mermaid, and the upcoming Snow White have all faced notable criticism, but Lilo & Stitch appears to be dodging those pitfalls with the agility of Stitch himself.

Mulan struggled due to its pandemic release, missing the theatrical experience and instead debuting as a rental exclusive on Disney+. Then, The Little Mermaid sparked controversy over Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel. Despite her clear talent, online discussions became contentious, with criticism fixating on her race. Meanwhile, Snow White is already facing scrutiny before its release. Trailers have been heavily criticized on YouTube, with backlash focused on Rachel Zegler’s casting and her outspoken political commentary.

In contrast, Lilo & Stitch is being commended for its authentic casting choices. Both Lilo and her sister Nani are portrayed by Hawaiian actresses, a move praised for respecting cultural authenticity. Initial concerns about colorism in Nani’s casting arose after photos made her appear lighter than expected, but this seems to have been an issue with lighting. In reality, she has a tan complexion, and her casting stays faithful to the character’s roots. Both actresses seem to capture the essence of their characters, maintaining the spirit of the original story.

The trailer introduces Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), a dog-like alien who escapes his planet in a spaceship and crashes on Earth. Meanwhile, Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a lonely young girl, longs for companionship. Their eventual meeting leads to an unlikely friendship, with Lilo exclaiming how “adorable and fluffy” Stitch is. Nani (Sydney Agudong) gently reminds her that with Stitch comes responsibility, like owning a pet, except this one could potentially destroy your neighborhood.

Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer

What Lilo doesn’t yet know is that Stitch is a powerful alien engineered to destroy planets, adding a cosmic twist to their evolving bond. You know, just a normal pet problem.

Stitch’s CGI design has also been well-received. Rather than appearing unsettling, he looks like a realistic version of the original animated character. Early reactions to the trailer have been positive, notably avoiding the negativity that often lurks in the comments section like a grumpy neighbor.

The movie pays homage to its origins. The original Lilo & Stitch celebrated Elvis Presley’s music, and the remake continues this tradition. The trailer includes classic Elvis tracks and stunning visuals of Hawaii, preserving the soul of the story. Unlike other remakes that modernized key elements to mixed reception, Lilo & Stitch remains true to its heartfelt narrative.

One area where the film could improve is in its visual presentation. The trailer’s color grading appears overly dark, evoking the atmosphere of a survival horror PS2 game. For a story centered on love, family, and the beauty of Hawaii, brighter and more inviting visuals would better suit its tone. Hopefully, this is just a temporary effect in the trailer, and the final film will embrace a more vibrant aesthetic.

Ultimately, Lilo & Stitch represents diversity done right. If the final movie matches the promise of its trailer, it could be the adaptation that finally breaks Disney’s streak of controversial live-action remakes.