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Top 10 Differences Between Lilo & Stitch (2002) & (2025)

Top 10 Differences Between Lilo & Stitch (2002) & (2025)
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
Aloha! Join us as we explore the key changes between Disney's beloved animated classic and its live-action adaptation. From new characters and enhanced storylines to missing favorites and technological updates, we're breaking down how this Hawaiian adventure has evolved for modern audiences. Which changes surprised you most? Our comparison includes Nani's expanded storyline, Jumba's darker character arc, the introduction of Tūtū, new technology like portal guns, and significant plot alterations. See how this heartwarming story about family, belonging, and acceptance has been reimagined for 2025!

#10: Experiment 627 Tease

In the original, Dr. Jumba Jookiba says hed never make more than one genetic experiment. That turned out to be a lie. As wed later see through various Lilo & Stitch spinoffs, Jumba made hundreds of experiments, Stitch being 626. While the first film doesnt get into Jumbas other creations, the remake hints that Stitch is only the tip of his ambitions. Feeling that Earth has turned Stitch soft, Jumba plans on upgrading him to Experiment 627. Introduced in Lilo & Stitch: The Series, 627 resembles his predecessor, but with a cone head, red exterior, and more destructive powers. Where most of Jumbas experiments can be redeemed, 627 is the embodiment of evil. Yet, hes not to be confused with Experiment 629, aka Leroy, Stitchs evil twin.


#9: Portal Guns

The Lilo & Stitch franchise has always been heavy on alien technology and weapons, most notably the plasma blaster. The remake introduces another nifty gadget, the portal gun. In addition to paving the way for an Ice Cream Man cameo, the portal device plays a key role during the climax. It also guarantees that Lilo and Nani will never be too far apart, even when the latter goes to college. Of course, the portal gun does raise a few questions. Namely, why dont Jumba and Pleakley just make a portal into the Pelekai household at night and snatch Stitch while hes sleeping? For that matter, why travel to Earth on a spaceship when you have portal technology? In any case, we get some funny sight gags.


#8: More Close Calls

The remake raises the stakes with two near-death experiences. Like in the first film, the titular characters have a surfing accident when Jumba and Pleakley try to capture Stitch. This time, though, Lilo is rushed to the hospital. Lilo quickly rebounds, but Nani is left to contemplate whether shes truly capable of raising her sister. Stitch also has a close call during the climax when he nearly drowns. Although Stitch is practically indestructible, water is his greatest weakness. Unable to float, he sinks to the bottom of the sea like a rock. Stitch is willing to sacrifice himself to save Lilo, but Nani comes to his rescue. Its a nice addition that displays Stitchs physical limits and emphasizes that no family member gets left behind.


#7: New Neighbor

In the animated version, Nani takes care of Lilo on her own with some occasional help from David, her friend/sort-of boyfriend. Although David remains essentially unchanged, the remake introduces his grandma Tt, played by Amy Hill. Living near Lilo and Nani, Tt becomes something of a surrogate grandmother to the sisters, helping out when she can. While this character is new to the franchise, Hill is no stranger to Lilo & Stitch. In the 2002 film and subsequent series, she voiced the local fruit stand operator, Mrs. Hasagawa. Tt plays into the films overarching theme of Ohana, showing that family isnt restricted to blood relatives. It can extend to a neighbor who looks out for you or an alien you adopt as a dog.


#6: Stitchs Adoption

Stitchs arrival on Earth plays out pretty much the same, although he wreaks havoc at a wedding before getting run over this time. Thinking his crashing ship is a shooting star, Lilo wishes for a friend, which Nani overhears. In the animated feature, this prompts Nani to take Lilo to the animal shelter, where she adopts Stitch. Nani isnt present in the remakes adoption scene, however. Instead, its Tt who allows Lilo to visit the shelter where she encounters Stitch. The decision to adopt a dog is more spontaneous, with Nani later learning about Lilos new pet. The remake also glances over the bit where Lilo pays two dollars for Stitch, which plays a more important role in the original.


#5: Disguises

One of the originals funniest running jokes sees Jumba and Agent Pleakley trying to pass themselves off as humans by wearing everyday outfits. Apparently, this is enough to make people overlook Jumbas four eyes and Pleakleys cycloptic nature. In the remake, they instead make copies of human bodies, blending in as Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen. Thats one way to keep the visual effects budget under control. While Magnussen, in particular, has the energy of a cartoon character, we do miss seeing Pleakley in drag. When asked why Pleakley doesnt wear a dress in his film, director Dean Fleischer Camp simply said, I tried, revealing what appears to be unused concept art. Isnt it weird how 2002 feels more progressive than 2025?


#4: Cobra Bubbles

Cobra Bubbles is an enigma when he arrives in the animated film, looking more like a secret agent than a social worker. As it turns out, Cobra used to be with the CIA, meeting the Grand Councilwoman at Roswell in the 70s. He also saved Earth by convincing the aliens that the planet was a mosquito nature reserve. The remake keeps most of these elements, but switches them around. Cobra is still working for the CIA, tracking down Stitch after his ship crashes. The social worker assigned to the sisters case is a new character named Mrs. Kekoa, played by Nanis original voice actress, Tia Carrere. Cobra later goes undercover as another social worker to infiltrate the Pelekai household, eventually deciding to help the family.


#3: Captain Gantu MIA

The most prominent character missing from the remake is Captain Gantu, the Grand Councilwomans right-hand alien. When Jumba and Pleakley struggle to bring in Stitch, Gantu is tasked with getting the job done. Gantu not only fails, but also endangers humans in the process, resulting in his dismissal from the Galactic Federation. This sets Gantu up to become a major antagonist in future stories, teaming with Jumbas former partner, Dr. Jacques von Hämsterviel, and Experiment 625, aka Reuben. Its unclear why the remake scrapped Captain Gantu, although we cant help but wonder if it was a budget issue. The film only cost $100 million, significantly less than some other Disney remakes. Maybe they just couldnt afford to have another entirely CGI character.


#2: No Redemption for Jumba

Gantu isnt present, but the remake needed somebody to fill that void in the climax. This is where Jumba comes in. Aside from lacking a Russian accent, Jumba has no redemption arc here. In the original, he engages in combat with his creation, destroying Lilo and Nanis house. When Gantu takes Lilo, though, Stitch convinces Jumba to help rescue her. The remakes Jumba isnt so easily persuaded. Hes colder, viewing attachments as a weakness. After capturing Lilo, Jumba is taken in and escorted back to space. The OG Jumba receives a much happier fate, remaining on Earth with Pleakley where both become members of Lilo and Nanis family. We guess the remake also shoots down the theory of Jumba and Pleakley being a couple.


#1: Nanis Ambitions

Nani remains a dedicated sister trying her best to be a mother to Lilo. The remake provides more background details about Nani, however. In addition to fleshing out her experience as a surfer, its revealed that Nani aspires to be a marine biologist. She even gets into her dream university. After tragedy strikes, though, Nani makes Lilo her top priority. At the same time, Nani questions if shes whats best for Lilo. She seriously considers letting social services step in, potentially giving her sister a better life. In the end, Tt steps up to help raise Lilo with additional assistance from Cobra, David, and Pleakley. This allows Nani to attend college, but thanks to the portal gun, commuting has never been easier.


What did you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments.

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