Lilo & Stitch officially arrives on Disney+
Ohana means family—and now fans can bring that family home. Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch officially debuted on Disney+ on September 3, giving audiences the chance to relive one of Disney’s most beloved stories with a fresh, modern twist.
The film follows the same heartfelt premise as the 2002 animated classic, centering on Lilo (played by newcomer Maia Kealoha), a young Hawaiian girl who forms an unlikely bond with Stitch, an alien genetic experiment gone rogue. Together, they learn lessons about family, belonging, and acceptance—all while trying to evade the galactic forces determined to take Stitch back.
Streaming bundles sweeten the deal
To mark the release, Disney is also pushing a special streaming promotion. New subscribers can grab a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle starting at $29.99 per month with ads or $38.99 per month ad-free. The introductory price lasts until January 5, 2026, before renewing at $35.99 to $44.99 monthly after the first year.
It’s a timely offer for viewers who want more than just Lilo & Stitch, tapping into Disney’s broader catalog along with sports and general entertainment.
A star-studded cast with familiar voices
Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021), directed the live-action remake. While it marks Kealoha’s first major role, she’s surrounded by an ensemble cast that balances fresh faces with seasoned talent:
- Sydney Agudong as Nani, Lilo’s protective older sister.
- Billy Magnussen as Agent Wendell Pleakley.
- Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman.
- Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba.
- Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.
Adding to the nostalgia factor, original cast members from the 2002 animated film—including Amy Hill, Tia Carrere, and Jason Scott Lee—make cameo appearances. Most importantly, Chris Sanders, who co-directed the animated classic and voiced Stitch, reprised his role for the live-action version, ensuring the mischievous blue alien sounds exactly as fans remember.
Box office success sets the stage for streaming
Lilo & Stitch opened in theaters on May 23, 2025, and quickly became one of Disney’s biggest live-action remakes to date. The film earned $182.6 million over the Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., setting a new record alongside Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Its momentum didn’t stop there. By mid-summer, the film became the first Hollywood release of 2025 to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide, cementing its status as a global phenomenon. The combination of nostalgic appeal, family-friendly storytelling, and blockbuster spectacle proved to be a winning formula.
Why this remake resonates
Disney’s track record with live-action remakes has been mixed—The Lion King and Aladdin were box office hits, while others like Pinocchio failed to capture the same magic. Lilo & Stitch stands apart thanks to its deeply emotional story.
The tale of two outsiders—Lilo, often dismissed as a misfit, and Stitch, an experiment designed for destruction—continues to strike a chord with audiences more than 20 years after the original film. By retaining its heart and humor while updating the visuals for modern viewers, Disney managed to create a remake that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences.
Available now on Disney+
With its theatrical success now behind it, Lilo & Stitch begins its streaming journey on Disney+, where fans can revisit the story—or experience it for the first time—from the comfort of home.
Between its record-breaking box office run, star-studded cast, and special streaming bundles, Disney is betting big on the staying power of Ohana. And if the numbers are any indication, Stitch and Lilo are far from being left behind.
