‘Lilo & Stitch’ Director Responds to Backlash Over Major Character Alteration
With the release of Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s to come. The original animated film, beloved for its quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and memorable characters, left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
However, like most live-action adaptations, the new version is bound to stir up some controversy. One change, in particular, has generated heated discussions and has fans questioning the direction of the remake.
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The 2002 animated film featured Pleakley, an alien agent with the United Galactic Federation, in an attempt to blend in with Earthlings, wears a dress, a blonde wig, and makeup. This scene, while comedic, also resonated with many for its lighthearted take on gender expression.
But in the upcoming live-action version, Pleakley, portrayed by Billy Magnussen, will not be cross-dressing, and instead, both Pleakley and Dr. Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) are shown as regular men.
The absence of this iconic moment has left some fans disappointed, accusing Disney of “un-woking” the remake, and the change has raised several questions about the studio’s evolving approach to adapting classic films.
The Controversial Change: Why Pleakley Isn’t Wearing a Dress
Fans of the original film immediately took to social media to express their displeasure with the change. For many, Pleakley’s cross-dressing was one of the most endearing parts of the animated film. Not only did it provide comic relief, but it also played with gender norms in a way that many found refreshing for a mainstream family film.
So, why did Disney opt to leave this out in the live-action remake?
To address the backlash, director Dean Fleischer Camp took to TikTok, responding to the question many had been asking: why was Pleakley’s cross-dressing moment removed from the film?
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In the video, Fleischer Camp explained that while he had initially wanted to incorporate the iconic dress and wig into Pleakley’s character, it simply didn’t fit with the tone they were aiming for in the live-action adaptation. He even shared concept art showing Pleakley in a dress, offering a glimpse into the original direction.
Fleischer Camp’s candid response has sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some understand the challenges involved in adapting a beloved animated film for live-action, others feel that the change undermines a key part of what made Pleakley so memorable.
“I have had people message me, ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress? And I just want to say, I tried… I tried.”
@marceltheshellwshoeson
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A New Beginning for the Iconic Story
Despite the controversy, excitement for the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake remains high. The trailer has already generated significant buzz, with fans eager to see the beloved characters come to life. Maia Kealoha’s portrayal of Lilo, alongside the return of Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, has many hopeful that the essence of the original film will be captured, even as some changes are made.
Fans of the original will undoubtedly debate the adjustments to certain characters, but the movie’s heart—Lilo’s love for Stitch, the importance of family, and the comedy that made the animated version so lovable—remains central to the story.
Tickets for the film’s premiere on May 23 are already on sale, and it’s expected to do well at the box office, with pre-sale numbers exceeding other family films this year. Disney’s confidence in the movie is apparent, and despite the divisive aspects of the live-action adaptation, the remake is positioned to become a hit for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
What do you think about the decision to remove Pleakley’s cross-dressing moment from the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch? Are you disappointed by the change, or do you think it was a necessary update for modern audiences? We’d love to hear your opinions—share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
