Disney is no stranger to live-action remakes of its own movies. It's been doing it for decades. It's only over the past 10 years or so that the company has committed to making these live-action versions of its classic films almost every year. Sometimes more than once a year.
I've long believed that these live-action remakes are here to stay. Disney fans across the board have a tendency to show up to just about anything new the company releases -- myself included. I wasn't just seated for The Little Mermaid remake; I cried tears of joy. I liked the prince's new song. I wanted to sing along, even though I didn't.
Lilo & Stitch (2025) has changed something about the way I feel when it comes to these remakes. Am I still convinced we'll never be free of them? Absolutely. But it has taken until now for me to finally decide that just because Disney isn't going to stop this nonsense doesn't mean I have to continue to participate in it.
Why should I keep showing up to movies I don't fully support? I may be a fan of Disney, but the more of these remakes I watch, the less I want to keep watching new ones. I have fond memories of many of the films Disney has given the live-action treatment to over the past decade, and yes, the nostalgia that has flowed through me during many of these viewings was worth it. For a little while.
But I draw the line at Lilo & Stitch for several reasons. One: This original, phenomenal animated movie came out in 2002. It has only been 23 years since this chaotic, lovable blue alien first hit the big screen. All these remakes are cash grabs to a degree, but it's never been more obvious than with this one. Yes, it's a widely beloved film. But it has not had nearly enough time to age to the point of being able to justify a live-action remake for the feel-good moments. This movie is going to make a lot of money, and it really feels like there was no other reason to make it in 2025 than that.
And two: I was a kid when this movie came out, old enough to remember going to see it in theaters that summer. I have such fond memories not just of seeing this film for the first time, but also of the hype leading up to it. I remember going to a friend's birthday party right before it released, and it was all everyone could stand to talk about. It was special in that way that can't ever be forgotten. As much as I want little kids today to experience the same level of excitement and wonder -- and I hope they do -- I've come to the conclusion that maybe for the first time, this remake really is not for me.
I haven't seen the live-action remake yet, and haven't decided whether or not I will. But my very real fear that it won't live up to the original tells me it's at least going to be a while before I do. I used to watch the original movie whenever I needed a good cry. I recently showed it to my husband for the first time, and seeing the movie for the first time through his eyes made me love it even more.
Disney is so vast and constant as an entity that as fans, we should allow ourselves the freedom to watch what we want and leave alone what we don't. I no longer believe we're all going to keep going to these mediocre remakes because we're fans. I want to be the kind of fan who celebrates what they love about Disney movies and lets other people find joy in certain movies even when I don't. That is the kind of fandom I want to spend time in. It's not just healthy -- it's the best way forward. The more time we spend letting go of the Disney that isn't for us, the happier we'll all be.