Dream-inducing figures: $145.5 million at the US box office, $341.7 million at the worldwide box office for its first weekend of release, Lilo & Stitch has the best theatrical opening of 2025 and seems to be heading towards record numbers for Disney, a year after the tidal wave Inside Out 2. But was it really a surprise? In 2002, Lilo and Stitch, its music, its story and the charisma of its characters had already left their mark on its time and its audience. The return of the duo, as infernal as they are endearing, in live action, 23 years later, was definitely expected, and even if its release date (May 21) and period do not coincide with a school holiday, the public is still there.
Back in the role of Stitch for the French version, Emmanuel Garijo is not surprised. The same goes for Camille Donda, formerly the voice actress of little Lilo, now the voice actress of the big sister, Nani. Because even if the story is almost the same (we'll come back to that), the live-action remake has solid arguments and ultimately does better than its animated predecessor, as our review had already pointed out. “Yes, it’s true that we get attached to animated films. But live action is stupid, right? It’s even better,” says Emmanuel Garijo. “Better, in the sense that we identify with the characters a little more. And to see these humans… they are human, in fact. And then, this creature (Stitch, editor’s note) is the dog we all secretly dream of having. No, it’s magic. They really got me. Get your tissues ready.”
“When’s the sequel?”
The live action therefore brings a visual plus, but not only that. In terms of emotions, Lilo & Stitch in 2025 does better than its animated counterpart from 2002. Stitch’s word. “I think it’s great,” confides Camille Donda. We don’t have to use exactly the same elements. Even physically… I think it’s good to change things up. They’re still the same characters, they’ve just evolved.” “They’ve kept to the same theme, and it’s really great,” adds Emmanuel Garijo. Twenty-three years later, and without distorting the basic product, Lilo & Stitch is a little different. A Nani with real development, real social assistance for the girls, a new character—the neighbor Tutu—a different role for Cobra Bubbles, now presented only as a CIA agent—these are all changes that bring more coherence to the story.
Enough to make you want to come back? “When’s the sequel?” asks Emmanuel Garijo with a smile. A series or what’s it like? No need to push them to find out if they’d sign up for a live-action sequel. “Obviously, this story is crazy,” is the first to tell us. “20 years later, I’m signing up again to play the grandmother,” announces Camille Donda. Dare you? While waiting for this possible sequel—which will inevitably depend on the film’s success with audiences and at the box office—Lilo & Stitch is currently available in theaters.
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