Disney Can Still Solve Its Live-Action “Lilo and Stitch” Problem

By now, it’s no secret that a live-action Lilo and Stitch remake is on its way to audiences. However, there are some mixed reactions. It’s nearly all mixed reactions, to be frank.

The Walt Disney Animation Studios original Lilo and Stitch (2002) film is widely beloved by audiences for Chris Sanders’ unique artistic style adopted by the animators for this project, heartwarming story, and stray from form.

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Disney Puts a Stop to Live-Action ‘Lilo and Stitch’

The original film was released during a time period often referred to as the Experimental Era of Disney. During this era, Walt Disney Animation movies were unlike anything the studio had ever produced before, making them memorable even if they weren’t widely successful at first.

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Fans Left HORRIFIED After Seeing Live-Action Stitch

That’s why it comes as little surprise to hear that audiences aren’t thrilled about a live-action Lilo and Stitch. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t bother fixing it, right?

But ironically, production on the live-action Lilo and Stitch movie has been halted as a result of the SAG-AFTRA, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Disney

READ MORE: ‘Live Action Stitch’ Just Got More Horrifying; Fans Petition for Disney to Cancel the Film

According to The Direct, the film was halted with just a week left of shooting. This presents a unique challenge for Disney: wait until the strike ceases, or attempt to bridge the incredibly short gap anyways.

Lilo and Stitch was initially scheduled to release on Disney Plus (Disney+) in 2024, giving the crew a short amount of time to finish the film after shooting.

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: This Iconic ‘Lilo and Stitch’ Character Was Just Kicked Out of the Live-Action Ohana

Disney could do this by choosing to release the film with all the footage already shot. It could rely even heavier than it already is on visual effects.

At the end of the day, we have no idea what the Walt Disney Company will decide to do with its unfinished films as the strike continues, no matter how close they are to being finished.