Credit: Brian McGowan on UnsplashIt’s a big week for Disney fans.
The beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch (2002) is being reimagined for a new generation, as the live-action remake hits theaters worldwide on May 23, 2025. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the new film promises to bring laughs, heart, and a healthy dose of chaos thanks to everyone’s favorite blue alien.
The story follows Lilo, a young girl from Hawaii being raised by her older sister Nani after the tragic loss of their parents. When Lilo adopts Stitch from what she believes is an animal shelter, she unknowingly takes in an alien experiment on the run from galactic authorities. The two form a bond over their shared sense of loneliness and their fight to stay together as a family—‘ohana’ as it’s known in Hawaiian culture.
But as the new Lilo & Stitch prepares to launch, some longtime Disney fans are remembering what happened the last time Stitch took over Disney World. In 2004, Disney pulled off one of its most memorable stunts ever—temporarily “vandalizing” Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom to mark the opening of Stitch’s Great Escape!.
The Day Stitch Took Over the Castle
If you happened to visit Magic Kingdom on that now-legendary day in 2004, you might’ve thought Stitch had truly taken control. Cinderella Castle was decked out in toilet paper, complete with faux graffiti sprayed across the walls that read “Stitch is King.” Audio effects changed, too. Instead of royal music, guests were met with Stitch’s mischievous giggles and belches echoing through the hub.
It was bold, silly, and perfectly in line with Stitch’s chaotic personality. While the stunt only lasted a day, it created a lasting memory for fans—and a moment in park history that’s still talked about more than 20 years later. It was one of those rare moments when Disney leaned fully into character-driven mayhem, and it worked.
Just a reminder that someone thought it would be a good idea for Stitch to teepee Cinderella Castle pic.twitter.com/xOjJkp4Dye
— The Mickey Wiki (@TheMickeyWiki) August 1, 2022
Now that Stitch is back in the spotlight with a full-length feature, fans are wondering if Disney might pay homage to that unforgettable day. So far, nothing official has been announced, but the speculation is strong. Whether it’s a small Easter egg in the park, a surprise appearance by Stitch, or a cheeky photo-op nod to the 2004 prank, guests will be watching closely this week.
Meet the Cast of the 2025 Live-Action Remake
The new Lilo & Stitch is packed with talent, combining rising stars with some familiar faces. Eight-year-old Maia Kealoha, a native of Honolulu, makes her film debut as Lilo, while Sydney Elizebeth Agudong takes on the role of Nani. Chris Sanders, who originally voiced Stitch and directed the 2002 film, returns to voice the mischievous alien in this version as well.
The cast also includes Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, with the screenplay written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin serve as producers, with executive production from Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher.
This remake isn’t just a nostalgic cash-in. It aims to stay true to the original’s message about family, grief, and finding connection in unlikely places—all while updating the visuals with CGI and live-action performances.
Will Stitch Strike Again?
Let’s be clear—there’s no confirmed plan for a Cinderella Castle makeover this time. But the timing of this release and the weight of that 2004 memory has fans on high-alert, in the best way. It’s the kind of anticipation that can only come from a character like Stitch, whose reputation for mischief is nearly as big as the castle itself.
Even if Disney doesn’t repeat history, the conversation around it just proves how deeply embedded this little blue alien has become in the Disney legacy. And that’s kind of the point. Stitch isn’t just a character from an early 2000s animated film—he’s a symbol of chaos, love, and the joy of the unexpected.
So whether the castle remains untouched or gets a playful wink this week, fans will be watching. Just don’t be surprised if someone shows up wearing a shirt that reads “Stitch Was Here.” It wouldn’t be the first time.
You can check out the trailer for the movie, which releases on May 23, below: