Ohana: How the heartwarming theme of Lilo & Stitch was changed in the live-action remake

Lilo & Stitch was released on May 23, 2025, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The science fiction comedy film is a live-action remake of the namesake 2002 animated title. Written by Mike Van Waes and Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, the film is helmed by Dean Fleischer Camp.

Here's the official synopsis:

"A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family."

The remake has sparked some controversy about the changes in the film, but the adaptation remains more or less faithful to the source material. One of the more talked-about changes is the concept of Ohana that has been altered in the remake.

Let's discuss more about it!

Lilo & Stitch remake changes Ohana

In the animated film Lilo & Stitch, the theme of Ohana revolved around the rapport between Nani and Lilo. They bond over the loss of their parents. At one point, a character explains

"Ohana as family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."

Both Nani as well as Stitch stand by Lilo despite the complicated circumstances. Nani sacrifices her life for Lilo.

In the remake, the meaning of Ohana is tweaked as "no one should be left behind". Although the words are identical, the meaning and interpretation are adapted to fit the modern world. Lilo & Stitch is still about the family, but it implies that one can leave their family home without abandoning their family. Nani leaves to study Marine Biology in college, which is a little far away, but remains close to Lilo. The individuals within a family unit make their own choices, and this slight change improves Nani and Lilo's relationship, which was strained in the first film due to the sacrifices of the elder sister. Nani emerges as an individual and not just a guardian figure for Lilo. These changes feel warranted with the changing times.

Another change the remake made was to cut down the role of Gantu. Speaking to People Magazine, the director of the remake, Dean Camp, said:

“Gantu was one of those things that just didn't work so well in live action. We explored it a bit, but ultimately we had to make the decision and also, I do stand by the decision, 'cause I feel like a lot of the things that, in trying to ground these characters more and tell a story with a little more emotional depth, especially between the sisters, I feel like you have to free up real estate to allow that breathing room to do those things.”

The changes in Lilo & Stitch reflect the changing times. If the makers had decided to stick to Nani sacrificing her career for her sister, the audience might not have received it well.

Upon its release, the film received mixed critical feedback and grossed $613.5 million. It is the second live-action Disney adaptation after Snow White.

Lilo & Stitch is produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich. The cast members include,