Pleakley’s design in Lilo & Sтιтch‘s live-action has caused quite the commotion, heightening anticipation for Jumba’s alien appearance. Disney recently dropped the official Lilo & Sтιтch remake trailer, offering a full glimpse into its human and extraterrestrial characters. While the Lilo & Sтιтch cast has been positively received, most aliens (other than Sтιтch) are notably absent. However, Pleakly’s appearance has sparked discussion about the movie’s artistic choices, particularly regarding how the signature aliens will look.
Notably, Sтιтch’s live-action design is perfect, with most people expressing excitement about seeing the beloved blue alien come to life on screen. The Disney remake seems to have taken inspiration from Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu, as it maintains the original dimensions and forms of its characters, regardless of whether they feel realistic. Notably, Sonic, Pikachu, and Sтιтch look even more adorable in their animated reworkings. However, it’s trickier to adapt characters that aren’t as fluffy, such is the case with Lilo & Sтιтch‘s Pleakley.
Pleakley’s Live-Action Design In Lilo & Sтιтch Is Accurate But Also A Bit Horrifying
Pleakley’s Terrifying Features Bring Back His Character’s Bizarre Charm From 2002’s Lilo & Sтιтch
One of the main CGI problems the Lilo & Sтιтch remake faces has to do with the challenge of translating all its 2D characters into animated versions without losing their essence. While the first glimpses of Pleakley look faithful, they’re also a bit terrifying in the best ways. What strikes first is the character’s size, as he is even taller than his co-star Zach Galifianakis, who plays Dr. Jumba Jookiba in his human disguise. To add to the shock are his two tongues, giant alien eye, and grayish-green color — all of which couldn’t exactly be described as cute.
Put beside the adorable Maia Kealoha in one of Lilo & Sтιтch‘s best moments that need to be adapted, Pleakley would catch one’s eye as a bizarre, otherworldly creature. The thing is, that’s exactly what he is, which is why his live-action design is actually perfect. Even in the original Lilo & Sтιтch, Pleakley and Jumba have slightly unsettling appearances, which creates a great contrast with their soft and friendly personalities. They are both mᴀssive compared to humans but are funny because they’re clumsy. Their charm relies on their monstrous exteriors not matching their warm interiors.
If Pleakley Looks Like That, Jumba’s Live-Action Design Could Be Even Scarier
Pleakly & Jumba’s Terrifying Appearances Are Essential To Lilo & Sтιтch’s Message
That said, it’s also true that horrifying designs fare better in 2D animation, while some CGIs have been too off-putting for some audiences. One clear example can be found in the 2009 adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, a movie with monsters that were perceived as too scary by some. Accordingly, Jumba’s design could be even more frightening than Pleakley’s, considering the four-eyed evil genius can be quite violent and wacky, too. Notably, Lilo & Sтιтch is already Disney’s best live-action remake, and it helps that audiences are already familiar with Jumba and the other aliens’ rough appearance.
Just like in the case of Where the Wild Things Are, the majority of audiences like it when characters aren’t conventionally cute, especially if their designs align with the story’s themes. Jumba and Pleakley’s monstrosity is necessary to Lilo & Sтιтch as it reinforces the movie’s message that evil isn’t tied to form but rather emerges from a sense of misunderstanding and alienation from others. While some are disappointed that Jumba and Pleakley will use human disguises in Lilo & Sтιтch, the hopes are that their CGI forms, though scary, get plenty of time to shine on the big screen.
