The live-action Lilo & Stitch is one of 2025’s most anticipated family films. Following a theatrical run in May, the movie officially arrives on Disney+ in September. This guide covers the release date, cast, trailer, and streaming details for UK viewers.
Disney continues its trend of reimagining animated classics as live-action films, following The Lion King, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. The 2025 version brings the beloved story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her alien companion to a new generation, blending live-action performances with a CGI Stitch.
With the original 2002 film amassing over 280 million hours viewed globally on Disney+, the franchise has proven its lasting appeal. This article breaks down everything UK viewers need to know about the new film, from the confirmed cast to where it can be streamed.
2025 Live-Action Film
Lilo & Stitch (2025) – a live-action/CGI hybrid remake of the 2002 animated classic.
Release Date
UK cinemas: May 21, 2025. Disney+ premiere: September 3, 2025.
Where to Watch
Confirmed for Disney+; not available on Netflix in the UK.
Trailer
Official trailer released in early 2025 with a duration of 2:25.
Key Insights About the Stitch Movie
- The 2025 film is a direct live-action adaptation of the original 2002 Lilo & Stitch, retaining the core story of a lonely girl and an alien fugitive.
- It received a theatrical release in May 2025 before arriving on Disney+ in September.
- The film features a mix of human actors and a CGI Stitch, with Chris Sanders reprising his iconic voice role.
- No official sequel to the 2025 film has been announced yet, though Chris Sanders is set to write a follow-up.
- The original 2002 film remains a massive hit, generating over 280 million hours viewed on Disney+ globally.
- Dean Fleischer Camp, Oscar-nominated director of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, directed the remake.
Quick Reference Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Film | Lilo & Stitch (2025) |
| Director | Dean Fleischer Camp |
| Studio | Walt Disney Pictures, Rideback |
| UK Cinema Release | May 21, 2025 |
| US Cinema Release | May 23, 2025 |
| Digital Release | July 22, 2025 |
| Disney+ Premiere | September 3, 2025 |
| Runtime | Approx. 1h 48m – 1h 52m |
| Original 2002 Film | Lilo & Stitch (2002) – animated classic |
| Lead Actor (Lilo) | Maia Kealoha |
| Stitch Voice | Chris Sanders |
| Screenwriters | Chris Kekaniokalani Bright & Mike Van Waes |
When is the Stitch Movie Release Date?
UK Cinema Release
The live-action Lilo & Stitch was released in UK cinemas on May 21, 2025 as a wide theatrical release. The US followed on May 23, 2025. The film is rated PG and has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. For context on how this fits into the studio’s broader schedule, see our coverage of Upcoming Disney Live-Action Remakes in 2025.
Digital and Disney+ Release
For those who prefer to watch at home, the film became available for digital purchase and rental on July 22, 2025 via platforms like Fandango at Home. It premiered on Disney+ on September 3, 2025 for all subscribers. The physical Blu-ray edition followed on August 26, 2025.
The film premieres on Disney+ on September 3, 2025. A subscription is required. It will not be available on Netflix UK.
Where to Watch the Stitch Movie: Netflix, Disney+ and Other Streaming Options
Disney+ Exclusive Streaming
The 2025 film is a Disney production and streams exclusively on Disney+ within the UK and globally. It is not available on Netflix, nor is it a UK Netflix original. The original 2002 animated film and its direct-to-video sequel, Stitch! The Movie (2003), are also available on Disney+.
Digital Purchase and Rental
If you want to watch the film before its Disney+ premiere, digital versions were made available on July 22, 2025. These can be purchased or rented from major digital retailers.
Physical Media
A Blu-ray edition of the live-action film was released on August 26, 2025. This physical release includes the full feature film and is available through standard retail channels.
Stitch Movie Trailer – First Look at the 2025 Remake
The official trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch was released in early 2025 and runs for 2 minutes and 25 seconds. It offers the first proper look at the CGI Stitch interacting with the live-action cast and the Hawaiian setting. The trailer generated substantial excitement online, highlighting the film’s tone which balances comedy and heartfelt family dynamics.
The official trailer, released in early 2025, gives a clear look at the CGI Stitch and the live-action setting of Hawaii. It has generated significant buzz for the September Disney+ release.
Is There a Stitch Movie 2? Sequel Plans and Spin-offs
As of late 2025, no official sequel to the live-action film has been announced. However, fans should note that there is often confusion around the term “Stitch movie 2”. This usually refers to the existing direct-to-video sequel, Stitch! The Movie, which was released in 2003 and continues the story of the original animated film.
Chris Sanders, the original creator and voice of Stitch, has been set to write a live-action sequel. No release date or production schedule has been confirmed for this project.
No official trailer for a sequel has been released. Chris Sanders is set to write the next live-action sequel, but it remains in early development.
Timeline of the Lilo & Stitch Franchise
- 2002: Original animated Lilo & Stitch released in theatres.
- 2003: Direct-to-video sequel Stitch! The Movie released.
- Late 2024: First official look and teaser for live-action remake revealed.
- Early 2025: Official trailer released; premiere events held.
- May 21, 2025: UK cinema release.
- July 22, 2025: Digital release.
- September 3, 2025: Disney+ premiere.
Certainty and Uncertainty Around the Stitch Movie
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
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Why the Stitch Movie Matters for Disney
Disney continues its successful strategy of reimagining animated classics as live-action films. Following the box office performances of The Lion King, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid, the studio applied the same approach to Lilo & Stitch, a film deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and the theme of family. The franchise has already proven its streaming power, generating over 640 million hours viewed on Disney+ since the original’s release. You can explore more about the studio’s upcoming projects in our guide to Upcoming Disney Live-Action Remakes in 2025.
Search interest in the Stitch movie spikes around major announcements such as release dates and trailer drops. The nostalgic pull of the original 2002 film drives both positive anticipation and some scepticism among long-time fans, making it a closely watched release for Disney’s remake strategy.
Sources and Credibility
The original animated film remains a massive hit on Disney+, with over 280 million hours viewed globally.
Deadline
Chris Sanders set to write the live-action sequel.
Deadline
Summary: The Stitch Movie Complete Guide
The 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch is a direct remake of the beloved 2002 animated classic, blending live-action performances with a CGI Stitch voiced by returning star Chris Sanders. It was released in UK cinemas on May 21, 2025, and premiered on Disney+ on September 3, 2025. It is not available on Netflix UK. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and stars newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo. For more on what else is coming from the studio, take a look at our overview of Upcoming Disney Live-Action Remakes in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Stitch movie a cartoon?
The 2025 Lilo & Stitch is a live-action/CGI hybrid, not a traditional 2D cartoon. The original 2002 film is an animated classic using traditional 2D techniques.
What is the original Lilo & Stitch 2002 movie about?
The 2002 animated classic tells the story of a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts a mischievous alien she names Stitch, who is actually a genetically engineered fugitive. The film focuses on family and the Hawaiian concept of ‘ohana.
Is there a Stitch movie on Netflix UK?
As of 2025, the original Lilo & Stitch and its sequels are not available on Netflix UK. They are exclusive to Disney+. The 2025 live-action remake is also a Disney+ exclusive.
When is the release date of the Stitch movie 2025?
The film was released in UK cinemas on May 21, 2025, and premiered on Disney+ on September 3, 2025. The digital release date was July 22, 2025.
Will the 2025 Stitch movie have a sequel?
Chris Sanders has been set to write a live-action sequel, but no official release date or production schedule has been confirmed yet.
Who voices Stitch in the 2025 movie?
Chris Sanders, the original creator and voice of Stitch from the 2002 animated film, returns to voice the character in the 2025 live-action remake.
Who plays Lilo in the 2025 movie?
Maia Kealoha plays Lilo in the 2025 live-action film. This is her debut feature film role.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.