Disney is renewing nostalgia with its new marketing campaign for the upcoming live-action rendition of “Lilo & Stitch.” This campaign resembles the promotional strategies utilized for the original 2002 animated film.
The company just produced a funny teaser parodying another Disney classic, “The Lion King.” In the video, the mischievous alien Stitch tries to replicate the legendary scene where Simba is introduced to the animal kingdom. Stitch, dressed in pool floaties, is raised aloft in a lighthearted twist on the iconic Pride Rock moment. He swiftly escapes and jumps into the ocean below. This playful approach is reminiscent of the original film’s marketing campaign, which included similar spoofs.
The live-action rendition, set to open in theaters on May 23, 2025, will feature new and familiar faces. Maia Kealoha will debut as Lilo, with original voice actor Chris Sanders returning. Tia Carrere and Amy Hill will also reprise their roles in new capacities. The film stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis.
Dean Fleischer Camp directs the project based on a script co-written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Dean DeBlois, and Sanders. The film seeks to depict the moving narrative of a lonely Hawaiian girl who forms a friendship with an alien fugitive who helps her difficult family.
The original animated film grossed over $200 million and spawned a popular Disney Channel series from 2003 to 2005. Tia Carrere, who played Lilo’s sister Nani and now plays Mrs. Kekoa, told magazines that fans should expect unique surprises: “There will be Easter eggs for the people who saw it originally, as well as the new kids that are coming up.”
As the release date approaches, industry insiders anticipate additional advertising tie-ins, maybe including parodies of other Disney properties. With “Snow White” set to arrive just months before “Lilo & Stitch,” there is already talk about potential crossover marketing initiatives.
