Even though Snow White was disappointing, I am still excited about Disney’s next live-action remake. In the years leading up to its release, Snow White‘s controversies dominated the discourse surrounding the movie. Nevertheless, I remained intrigued to see how Disney would reimagine the classic 1937 animated movie. While the first reactions shared on social media were largely positive, reviews for Snow White have been largely negative.
After seeing it for myself, I can understand why Snow White‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is so low. Rachel Zegler’s acting and musical talent make her well-suited to the role of Snow White, but the movie struggles in other respects. The Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) is presented as a one-dimensional villain, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) feels like a lackluster version of Flynn Rider from Tangled, and relying on CGI instead of casting actors with dwarfism to play the seven dwarfs remains a baffling decision. However, these frustrations have not overridden my excitement for Disney’s next live-action remake.
Disney’s Next Live-Action Remake After Snow White Is Lilo & Sтιтch – And It Looks Great
The Trailer Has Been Well-Received
Snow White will be followed by a live-action remake of Lilo & Sтιтch, which is slated to release in theaters on May 23, 2025. Based on the trailer that was released, Lilo & Sтιтch has the chance to be Disney’s all-time best live-action remake. It captures the fun and heartfelt tone of the original animated movie released in 2002. The designs of Sтιтch and the other aliens appear to have seamlessly translated into live-action, with CGI that does the aliens’ cartoonish aesthetic justice instead of opting for pH๏τorealism.
Maia Kealoha looks like the perfect choice to play Lilo and her delightful dynamic with Sтιтch already feels genuine in the trailer. Vital elements of the original, including Elvis Presley’s music, the running joke with the man dropping his ice cream, and a focus on found family are all included in the remake. Lilo & Sтιтch is poised to be the rare remake that does its source material justice, which has been a struggle for many of Disney’s live-action remakes.
Lilo & Sтιтch Isn’t Nearly As Controversial As Snow White Was
Controversy Hasn’t Defined Lilo & Sтιтch
There has been some backlash to Lilo & Sтιтch‘s live-action cast, including the casting of Sydney Agudong as Nani coming under fire due to accusations of colorism. Compared to Snow White, though, the Lilo & Sтιтch remake has not been as controversial. From how the dwarfs were being handled to outrage over comments that Zegler made about how the remake was updating the 1937 movie, controversy was at the center of all discussions about Snow White years before it was even released in theaters.
Meanwhile, the conversation around Lilo & Sтιтch has not been focused on the controversies, and has fully shifted to a high level of excitement and anticipation for the movie. While the movie’s quality will speak for itself, the lead-up to its release is already a refreshing change of pace from Snow White. Less controversy and more enthusiasm from viewers bodes well for Lilo & Sтιтch in all senses, including from both a critical and commercial standpoint.
Why Lilo & Sтιтch Should Be A Lot Better Than Snow White
There Are Many Reasons To Be Confident In Lilo & Sтιтch
One of the many strengths that Lilo & Sтιтch has going for it is its director, Dean Fleischer Camp. He previously directed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, which is an Oscar-nominated film with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, and one of my all-time favorite A24 movies. Camp proved in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On that he can deliver a movie that is deeply humorous, moving, and a little bit weird. This kind of balance is also essential for Lilo & Sтιтch, and if the trailer is any indication, Camp has captured it once again.
Lilo & Sтιтch already features a beloved story that has aged well, meaning that Disney does not need to make substantial changes to the narrative itself.
In terms of an advantage that Lilo & Sтιтch has over Snow White, the former’s source material is easier to adapt. The 1937 Snow White is still widely adored, but more so for its animation and for nostalgic purposes than for the story itself. Nearly a century later, changes inevitably needed to be made to Snow White‘s story. Meanwhile, Lilo & Sтιтch already features a beloved story that has aged well, meaning that Disney does not need to make substantial changes to the narrative itself.
Lilo & Sтιтch seems like it will be enjoyed by longtime fans and those who are experiencing the wonderful story for the first time. This is ideally what most live-action remakes should be able to achieve, but it has not been the case for many of Disney’s reimaginings, with Snow White only being the most recent example. Lilo & Sтιтch has all the elements it needs to succeed and to live up to the anticipation.
