Even thoughSnow Whitewas disappointing, I am still excited about Disney’s next live-action remake. In the years leading up to its release,Snow White’s controversiesdominated the discourse surrounding the movie. Nevertheless, I remained intrigued to see how Disney would reimagine the classic 1937 animated movie. While the first reactions shared on social media were largely positive,reviews forSnow Whitehave been largely negative.
After seeing it for myself, I can understand whySnow White’s Rotten Tomatoes scoreis so low. Rachel Zegler’s acting and musical talent make her well-suited to the role of Snow White, but the movie struggles in other respects. The Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) is presented as a one-dimensional villain, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) feels like a lackluster version of Flynn Rider fromTangled, and relying on CGI instead of casting actors with dwarfism to play the seven dwarfs remains a baffling decision. However, thesefrustrations have not overridden my excitement for Disney’s next live-action remake.
Disney’s Next Live-Action Remake After Snow White Is Lilo & Stitch – And It Looks Great
The Trailer Has Been Well-Received
Snow Whitewill be followed by a live-action remake ofLilo & Stitch, which is slated to release in theaters on June 08, 2025. Based on the trailer that was released,Lilo & Stitchhas the chance to beDisney’s all-time best live-action remake. It captures the fun and heartfelt tone of the original animated movie released in 2002. The designs of Stitch and the other aliens appear to have seamlessly translated into live-action, with CGI that does the aliens' cartoonish aesthetic justice instead of opting for photorealism.
Maia Kealoha looks like the perfect choice to play Lilo and her delightful dynamic with Stitch already feels genuine in the trailer. Vital elements of the original, including Elvis Presley’s music, the running joke with the man dropping his ice cream, and a focus on found family are all included in the remake.Lilo & Stitchis poised to be the rare remake that does its source material justice, which has been a struggle for many ofDisney’s live-action remakes.
Lilo & Stitch Isn’t Nearly As Controversial As Snow White Was
Controversy Hasn’t Defined Lilo & Stitch
There has been somebacklash toLilo & Stitch’s live-action cast, including the casting of Sydney Agudong as Nani coming under fire due to accusations of colorism. Compared toSnow White, though, theLilo & Stitchremake has not been as controversial. From how the dwarfs were being handled to outrage over comments that Zegler made about how the remake was updating the 1937 movie, controversy was at the center of all discussions aboutSnow Whiteyears before it was even released in theaters.
What Rachel Zegler Actually Said About Snow White & The Controversies
The live-action remake of Snow White has partly been controversial because of Rachel Zegler’s comments, but what did she actually say?
Meanwhile, the conversation aroundLilo & Stitchhas not been focused on the controversies, and has fully shifted to a high level of excitement and anticipation for the movie. While the movie’s quality will speak for itself, the lead-up to its release is already a refreshing change of pace fromSnow White.Less controversy and more enthusiasm from viewers bodes well forLilo & Stitchin all senses, including from both a critical and commercial standpoint.
Why Lilo & Stitch Should Be A Lot Better Than Snow White
There Are Many Reasons To Be Confident In Lilo & Stitch
One of the many strengths thatLilo & Stitchhas going for it is its director, Dean Fleischer Camp. He previously directedMarcel the Shell with Shoes On, which is anOscar-nominated film with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, and one of my all-time favorite A24 movies. Camp proved inMarcel the Shell with Shoes Onthat he can deliver a movie that is deeply humorous, moving, and a little bit weird. This kind of balance is also essential forLilo & Stitch, and if the trailer is any indication, Camp has captured it once again.
Lilo & Stitchalready features a beloved story that has aged well, meaning that Disney does not need to make substantial changes to the narrative itself.
In terms of an advantage thatLilo & Stitchhas overSnow White, the former’s source material is easier to adapt. The 1937Snow Whiteis still widely adored, but more so for its animation and for nostalgic purposes than for the story itself. Nearly a century later, changes inevitably needed to be made toSnow White’s story. Meanwhile,Lilo & Stitchalready features a beloved story that has aged well, meaning that Disney does not need to make substantial changes to the narrative itself.
Lilo & Stitch Is Going To Be Massive, & It’s 2025’s Best Shot To Repeat The $2.4 Billion Barbenheimer Box Office Event
The live-action Lilo & Stitch already looks set to be a box office success, but it shares its release date with one of 2025’s most anticipated movies.
Lilo & Stitchseems like it will be enjoyed by longtime fans and those who are experiencing the wonderful story for the first time. This is ideally what most live-action remakes should be able to achieve, but it has not been the case for many of Disney’s reimaginings, withSnow Whiteonly being the most recent example.Lilo & Stitchhas all the elements it needs to succeedand to live up to the anticipation.
