Disney’s upcoming Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, set to premiere on May 23, is facing significant backlash from fans, with many threatening to boycott the film. The controversy stems from the decision to omit one of the most iconic aspects of the original 2002 animated movie: Pleakley’s cross-dressing disguise.
The Original Pleakley Character
In the 2002 animated Lilo & Stitch, Pleakley, one of the alien characters sent to Earth to capture Stitch, is known for his humorous and subversive moments, particularly when he dresses in a wig and a dress to blend in with humans. This quirky aspect of his character became a fan favorite, not only for its comedic value but also for its playful subversion of gender norms.
However, fans noticed that in the trailer for the live-action remake, Pleakley does not appear in his signature disguise, raising concerns among viewers who feel that the film is losing an important part of the character’s identity.
Disney fans are threatening to boycott the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. Credit: Disney
Director Responds to Backlash
Director Dean Fleischer Camp addressed the issue in a TikTok video, responding to a fan’s inquiry about the absence of Pleakley’s dress and wig. Camp shared that he had made efforts to preserve the original character’s look, even showing early concept art with Pleakley in women’s clothing and a red wig. However, despite these efforts, Disney ultimately decided not to include this aspect in the final version.
Camp explained to Entertainment Weekly that the decision was made because “the humor of them walking around Hawaii dressed in these terrible disguises where Pleakley still has one eyeball” felt harder to pull off in a live-action setting. Instead of physical disguises, the live-action version has Jumba and Pleakley using a device to appear human, removing the need for costumes altogether.
Fans Respond with Outrage
While the change may have been a practical decision for a more realistic portrayal, many fans believe that it reflects Disney’s reluctance to engage with the potential political implications of the original character’s look. Some fans have speculated that the decision was influenced by the current political climate, with one commenting, “Given the political climate, it’s not shocking Disney wanted no part.”
The backlash has been swift, with one outraged fan demanding, “GIVE ME PLEAKLEY IN A DRESS OR CANCEL THE MOVIE.” For many, the removal of Pleakley’s cross-dressing element has felt like an erasure of the movie’s original spirit and charm. One disappointed viewer summed it up by saying, “I’m going to skip this one in theaters… I fear the soul of this movie has been lost.”
The Cast and Remaining Hopes for the Film
Despite the controversy, the remake boasts an impressive cast, with Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani, and Chris Sanders returning to voice Stitch. These casting choices have generated some excitement, but for many fans, the omission of Pleakley’s iconic look has overshadowed other aspects of the film.
As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen whether the backlash will have a significant impact on the film’s box office performance or whether Disney will reconsider the decision in response to fan outrage. For now, Lilo & Stitch fans are divided, with some vowing to skip the remake altogether due to the perceived loss of the film’s original charm and cultural significance.
