Convention - SDCC 2025 : Lilo & Stitch: A Look Inside the Continuing Phenomenon

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, salle 6BCF, 25 july 2025

San Diego Comic-Con has always been a place where the past meets the future, but on July 25, 2025, in the packed Room 6BCF of the San Diego Convention Center, the celebration of Lilo & Stitch felt like more than a reunion—it was a living testament to the cultural and emotional impact of a story that began over two decades ago. Over 2,100 fans filled the room, many wearing Hawaiian shirts or clutching plush Stitch toys, eager to hear from Chris Sanders (creator, writer, and original voice of Stitch), Maia Kealoha (the new live-action Lilo), Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani, now playing Mrs. Kekoa), and Sydney Agudong (the live-action Nani). Moderated by Denny Directo from Entertainment Tonight, the panel was both a heartfelt retrospective and a tantalizing preview of what’s next for the beloved franchise. From unseen concept art and laugh-out-loud bloopers to emotional recollections of filming, the hour-long session was pure ohana energy—playful, inclusive, and deeply moving.

The tone was set immediately by Chris Sanders, whose presence alone drew cheers before he even spoke. His recollections of bringing Stitch to life, including a hilarious revelation about recording an in-character audio commentary for the home release (“one of the strangest things I’ve ever done”), reminded fans just how much of the character’s chaotic heart comes directly from him. Tia Carrere offered her own touching perspective, reflecting on her journey from voicing Nani in 2002 to returning as Mrs. Kekoa in the new film. She admitted it felt “so meta” to be guiding the next generation, visibly proud to see Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong embody the sisterly bond central to the story. For Kealoha, this bond was more than acting—she recalled “love at first hug” with Agudong, while Agudong emphasized that their on-screen relationship is essentially their real-life friendship. Such anecdotes grounded the spectacle in authentic human connection, reminding everyone why Lilo & Stitch continues to resonate.

Of course, Stitch himself was the star in absentia. The panel offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the production brought the mischievous alien into the real world—combining puppetry, practical maquettes, and high-end VFX from Industrial Light & Magic. One particularly charming story came from Maia Kealoha, who revealed that every day she’d kiss the puppet Stitch’s nose, only to end up with black or purple lips thanks to its painted surface. It was this kind of playful chaos that the crew sought to preserve, ensuring that the live-action version captured the original’s unhinged sweetness. Fans were also treated to footage from the extensive bonus features available in the digital release, including bloopers, making-of featurettes, and the aforementioned Stitch commentary—proof that even after 20 years, the franchise hasn’t lost its mischievous edge.

While much of the conversation celebrated the past, Chris Sanders didn’t shy away from teasing the future. He confirmed that he has already begun writing the live-action sequel, drawing inspiration from the original mythology, the animated series, and even unused ideas from the first film. Though he kept details close to the chest, his playful response to a fan’s question about including beloved experiment characters like 627 was enough to send speculation rippling through the crowd. Importantly, Sanders stressed that the “heart and soul” of the property would remain the priority, a statement that earned a knowing nod from Tia Carrere and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The cultural significance of getting Hawaii right was another recurring theme. Sydney Agudong, who grew up on Kauaʻi, spoke with heartfelt pride about sharing Hawaiian values and traditions with a global audience. Both Tia Carrere and Chris Sanders echoed the sentiment, noting how deeply rooted the story is in the islands’ sense of community and ohana. This authenticity, they argued, is what makes Lilo & Stitch more than just another Disney remake—it’s a piece of living culture, lovingly updated for a new generation.

The event also doubled as a celebration of the film’s record-breaking success. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and co-written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch has already grossed $1.025 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing live-action/animated hybrid in history. With standout performances from Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, plus a nostalgia-infused soundtrack scored by Dan Romer and featuring new versions of classics like “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” the film has firmly cemented its place in Disney history. The upcoming Blu-ray and 4K release on August 26 promises even more treasures for fans, including deleted scenes, a gag reel, and full director’s commentary.

Outside the panel, the celebration spilled into an immersive fan experience across the street, complete with themed photo ops, free Dole Whip, and exclusive SDCC posters. It was the kind of activation that made Comic-Con feel like an extension of the film’s joyful chaos—one moment you were posing with a life-size Stitch figure, the next you were bumping into fellow fans swapping stories about when they first met the little blue alien. As the session came to a close, Denny Directo thanked the crowd, but it was Chris Sanders who delivered the unofficial closing statement with a simple truth: “This ohana isn’t going anywhere.” And judging by the roaring applause and teary-eyed smiles in the room, no one wanted it to.

Synopsis :
The touching and funny story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and a fugitive alien who helps her reconnect with her family.

Lilo & Stitch
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp
Written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes
Based on Lilo & Stitch Productions
Produced by Jonathan Eirich, Dan Lin
Starring  Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, Maia Kealoha
Cinematography : Nigel Bluck
Edited by Adam Gerstel, Phillip J. Bartell
Music by Dan Romer
Production companies : Walt Disney Pictures, Rideback
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : May 17, 2025 (El Capitan Theatre), May 21, 2025 (France), May 23, 2025 (United States)
Running time : 108 minutes