One of the films slated for release this year as part of Disney’s attempt to give their animated classic a live-action version is Lilo & Sтιтch, which luckily doesn’t change one aspect for a character. The film’s trailer was just released, showing a much more in-depth look at the adaptations’ character designs and style. It follows in the footsteps of other Disney remakes in that it looks very similar to the original, and there is one similarity that has cemented my excitement for the film.
While most of the cast for Lilo & Sтιтch are different from the original, there is one returning member who plays one of the central stars that has been brought back to reprise their role. Admittedly, the history of these Disney live-action remakes has been controversial, with many of them feeling like soulless cash grabs, the new trailer for Lilo & Sтιтch looks at least fun and nostalgic, even if it likely won’t stand up to the original. Furthermore, the return of Sтιтch’s voice actor is at least a sign that the filmmakers are going to respect the original.
Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Sтιтch Movie Brought Back Chris Sanders To Voice Sтιтch
Sтιтch’s Voice Will Stay As Iconic As It Was In 2002
In the original animated film, Sтιтch was voiced by Chris Sanders, and he has officially been brought back to play the character once again in the new Lilo & Sтιтch remake. One of the reasons that Sтιтch was such a lovable character in the original film was because of his distinct and hilarious voice, and thankfully, by bringing back Sanders, Sтιтch will keep the same energy that he brought to the first movie. It is also worth noting that Sanders wasn’t just a voice actor, but he was also the director of the 2002 classic.
Why Disney Was Right To Involve Chris Sanders In The New Lilo & Sтιтch Movie
Bringing Sanders Back Was An Excellent Choice
Sтιтch didn’t do very much talking in the film, but his voice was extremely important to the character, and changing the performer to someone else would just sound weird and alienating. By bringing back Chris Sanders, the character will sound authentic to the original, even though the actual Sтιтch character model looks more realistic. This casting is a very similar situation to when James Earl Jones was cast in the 2019 remake of The Lion King, where anyone else would just feel like a cheap imitation.
Chris Sanders isn’t the only returning cast member, with Tia Carrere, who originally played Nani, Amy Hill, who originally played Mrs. Hasagawa, and Jason Scott Lee, who played David, all reutnirng in different roles.
The move is also great because of Sanders’ position as the director of the 2022 film, as bringing him back for a role in the remake shows a level of respect for the original work that is missing from some of the less well-received live-action Disney remakes. This is a great way to incentivize fans of the original work to give the new version a sH๏τ, and hopefully means that the Lilo & Sтιтch remake will be a solid enough reintroduction to this wonderful universe.