Family Gets Forgotten as Live-Action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Cuts Major Character
As Disney continues its ambitious journey of remaking beloved animated classics into live-action films, fans have grown used to seeing changes, big and small. Sometimes it’s a reimagined character design, other times it’s a storyline update meant to fit modern audiences. While some updates are met with applause, others stir controversy—especially when a fan-favorite character gets left behind.
For years, the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2002) has been in development, and will hit theaters nationwide on May 23.
The original film, which follows the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the blue alien she adopts as her dog, has become a modern classic.
Related: VIDEO: Stitch Turns the Tables in Disney’s Latest Live-Action Campaign
With its themes of found family, grief, and unconditional love, it holds a special place in the Disney canon. So when Disney officially greenlit the live-action remake, many fans were hopeful but cautious.
Over time, details began to emerge about casting choices, visual effects, and how closely the new version would stick to the original story. Most recently, fans were stunned to discover that a major character from the animated film will reportedly be excluded from the live-action adaptation—and the reaction online has been swift.
Captain Gantu, a large, shark-like alien who served as the main antagonist in the original film, has reportedly been removed from the film entirely.
Related: After ‘Snow White’ Disaster, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Races to Record-Breaking Success!
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration. One user wrote:
I knew this movie was looking too good, I just knew that they would mess it up somehow. Big time disappointment not having Captain Gantu. I’m sure it will be a fun movie, but really bummed by this news.
I knew this movie was looking too good, I just knew that they would mess it up somehow. Big time disappointment not having Captain Gantu. I’m sure it will be a fun movie, but really bummed by this news. pic.twitter.com/FTuVcgezCM
— Mario World Fun Zone (@MarioWorldFun) May 18, 2025
Related: Disney Fans React as ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Makes History Ahead of Release
Captain Gantu wasn’t just a one-off villain. He went on to appear in the 2005 direct-to-video sequel, Lilo & Stitch: Stitch Has a Glitch, as well as the television series Lilo & Stitch: The Series, and subsequent films like Stitch! The Movie (2003) and Leroy & Stitch (2006).
Over time, his character transformed from a strict enforcer to a more nuanced figure, even becoming something of an anti-hero by the franchise’s end.
That evolution is exactly why so many longtime fans are upset about his removal. The original Lilo & Stitch resonated in part because its characters were flawed, funny, and allowed to grow.
Related: “Finally Disney Gets It Right,” Fans Praise Upcoming Live-Action Film
Cutting Gantu not only alters the original story dynamics but removes a character whose relationship with Stitch served as a significant part of the series’ emotional depth.
i know they got rid of him for budget reasons and for jumba to possibly fill his role as the antagonist but gantu served as a contrast against the grand councilwoman. she tried to see the good in others while gantu went to extreme lengths and eventually goes against her orders
i know they got rid of him for budget reasons and for jumba to possibly fill his role as the antagonist but gantu served as a contrast against the grand councilwoman. she tried to see the good in others while gantu went to extreme lengths and eventually goes against her orders https://t.co/bYq5aNpgvN
— 🧁🌈squee/krazykupcake🎸💥 (@happyfunf3tti) May 18, 2025
But while they may have removed Captain Gantu from the film, they also added a brand-new character, Ms. Kekoa. She will be played by Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original animated film!
The new character of Ms. Kekoa, who appears to replace Gantu as the central antagonist, has not been featured in any previous versions of the franchise. Played by Jolene Purdy (WandaVision, Orange Is the New Black), Ms. Kekoa is said to be a social worker-type figure who may serve as a grounded foil to Lilo’s chaotic and imaginative life.
As Disney continues to mine its vault for remake opportunities, it remains to be seen how closely these films will continue to align with the originals that inspired them. For now, fans of Lilo & Stitch are making their voices heard—and they’re not ready to say ‘aloha’ to Captain Gantu.
Do you think removing Gantu is a mistake, or are you open to seeing how the new character fits into the story? Should Disney stick more closely to its source material, or is it time for bold changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
