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Spoilers Ahead!
Dean Fleischer Camp, the director behind Disney’s live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch', is standing by the film’s major story shift, especially the updated ending that has sparked controversy among longtime fans.
In contrast to the beloved 2002 animated version, which ends with Stitch becoming part of Lilo and her sister Nani’s family, the new adaptation of 'Lilo & Stitch' takes a different turn. In the updated storyline, Nani departs Hawaii to attend college on the mainland, leaving Lilo in the care of a trusted family friend from their community. The shift has drawn criticism, with some arguing that it undermines the original film’s message about the strength of Hawaiian family values and the importance of staying together.
Camp addressed the backlash in a recent interview with Variety, acknowledging that many critiques appear to come from viewers who haven’t actually seen the film. He explained that the emotional impact and thematic intentions behind the ending only become clear within the context of the movie itself.
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Image Courtesy: Prime Video
'Lilo & Stitch' According to Dean Fleischer Camp
Camp explained that the creative team behind 'Lilo & Stitch' sought to broaden the definition of ohana, emphasizing its roots in Hawaiian culture as a symbol of extended family, unity, and collective responsibility. Their goal was to reflect the island’s deeper values by highlighting how community and shared care often extend far beyond just immediate relatives. He credited co-creator Chris Sanders, who is of Hawaiian heritage, with helping shape this approach. Sanders emphasised that, in real-life Hawaii, it would be unrealistic for two orphaned sisters to be left to manage alone, as neighbours, relatives, and church members would naturally step in.
This insight inspired the creation of a new character, Tutu, who takes Lilo in as hanai, a uniquely Hawaiian form of informal adoption based on love and communal responsibility, rather than legal ties. Camp noted that many local viewers appreciated this culturally authentic detail, which speaks to the island’s deep-rooted sense of shared care and sacrifice.
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Image Courtesy: Prime Video
Despite the mixed reactions to 'Lilo & Stitch', Camp expressed understanding for fans’ emotional attachment to the original, stating that remaking a beloved classic always involves challenges and differing opinions. He emphasised that the goal was not to replicate the original movie scene-for-scene, but to tell a story that reflects real-world complexities, particularly around loss, resilience, and the power of community.
Camp concluded by reaffirming the creative team’s commitment to authenticity and depth, saying that the updated story is about how people continue to move forward after hardship—and how, in the absence of traditional support, community can rise to ensure no one is left behind.
