The much anticipated live action remake of Lilo & Stitch is making waves ahead of its May 23 release, but not for the reasons Disney might have hoped.
Instead of nostalgic excitement, fans are voicing anger and disappointment over a major character change that many feel strips the heart from the beloved 2002 original.
The backlash has escalated to the point where fans are now threatening to boycott the film altogether.
At the center of the uproar is the character Pleakley, a quirky alien known for his iconic disguises while blending into human society.
In the animated version, Pleakley’s decision to wear a dress and a wig while undercover became a standout fan favorite, blending humor with subtle gender nonconforming representation that resonated with audiences for years.
But in the newly released trailer for the live action remake, viewers quickly noticed that Pleakley, now played by actor Billy Magnussen, no longer wears any feminine disguises. Instead, he appears as a man in a standard outfit, a creative decision that has stirred widespread outrage.
Director Dean Fleischer Camp confirmed the omission in a now viral TikTok video, responding to fan questions about Pleakley’s attire with a simple but telling statement: “I tried.”
He also shared early concept art showing Pleakley in a red wig and floral dress, just like the original, but explained that the idea was ultimately scrapped by Disney.
“The humor of them walking around Hawaii dressed in these terrible disguises where Pleakley still has one eyeball, it’s a little harder to buy in live action”
Camp told Entertainment Weekly, defending the decision as a practical adaptation issue.
However, not everyone is buying that explanation.
Many fans see it as a move driven by political caution.
“Baby, when he said he tried, he means Disney said no… Given the political climate, it’s not shocking Disney wanted no part,” one person speculated online.
Another fan didn’t hold back, writing,
“Disney are such cowards if they don’t include Pleakley in a wig and dress. We’re really regressing.”
Social media has since erupted with calls to boycott the film, with hashtags like #BoycottLiloAndStitch circulating on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
One post read, “Give me Pleakley in a dress or cancel the movie.” Another user added, “If you support this movie after they stripped away one of its best elements, you’re supporting corporate cowardice.”
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced backlash over changes made to classic characters in live action remakes.
Fans were similarly disappointed with controversial choices in The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and Mulan. Many now fear that the company is more concerned with avoiding controversy than staying true to the stories that made them iconic.
Despite the outrage, the film still boasts a high profile cast. Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong plays Nani, and Chris Sanders returns to voice the mischievous Stitch.
But for a growing number of longtime fans, that may not be enough. As one user summed it up:
“I’m going to skip this one in theaters. I fear the soul of this movie has been lost.”
Whether Disney will respond to the mounting criticism remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fans aren’t holding back.
Featured Image Credit: (@AP)(Shutterstock)(Disney)
