Warning: SPOILERS for Lilo & Sew’s live-action remake are at the moment in play.
I don’t know if anybody might have referred to as “Lilo & Sew’s ending makes followers mad” on their bingo card for the yr, however right here we’re. This Memorial Day blockbuster from the 2025 film schedule has folks up in arms for varied causes, regardless of Sew followers loving the outcomes greater than critics did.
As such, I’ve to disagree with two large sticking factors that preserve arising, and a few linked considerations. This dissent is introduced respectfully, as a result of even ohana can have its variations and nonetheless get alongside. Spoilers abound from this level, so in case you haven’t seen the image but, be at liberty to take a look at our Lilo & Sew evaluate earlier than diving deeper. In any other case, as Sew himself would say, “Tookie bah wah bah!” (That’s “Let’s get began!” for individuals who don’t converse Tantalog.)
Lilo & Sew’s New Ending Is Nonetheless All About Ohana
So the quick, quick model of Lilo & Sew’s live-action ending is that Sew (Chris Sanders) virtually drowns after escaping the clutches of his creator, Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zack Galifianakis). However because of Ohana and a few jumper cables, Experiment 626 is revived and allowed to serve his sentence of exile on Earth with Lilo (Maia Kealoha).
Whereas Nani (Sydney Agudong) was reluctantly able to let Lilo stay with a foster household, some final minute wrangling made it doable for her to stick with David (Kaipo Dudoit) and his grandmother Tūtū (Amy Hill). As for Dr. Jookiba, he’s at the moment within the custody of the United Galactic Federation… for now.
Jumba’s Villain Standing Makes Sense In Dwell-Motion
As somebody who’s a fan of the 2002 Disney unique, I’m truly positive with Lilo & Sew’s revision of Jumba. Gantu’s omission from the remake, in addition to the addition of social employee Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), required some character adjustments for Jumba and Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance).
In Dr. Jookiba’s case, he fulfills the villain position that Gantu as soon as occupied, and does so representing every little thing, however the closing flip that brings him round to being a hero. I’ll tackle that later, as I believe that plot level is being saved for one thing large.
Accent-Much less Jumbaa Is Higher Than A Weak Try
Followers are additionally upset that Zach Galifianakis’ Jumba didn’t have his trademark Russian accent. Now, if this was vital to the character, I’d be fairly miffed as nicely. Nonetheless, Lilo & Sew’s mad scientist by no means relied on that call as a personality, so it actually doesn’t damage the movie.
Additionally, if I used to be forged in a task the place my predecessor was legendary Disney voice actor/M*A*S*H star David Ogden-Steirs, I don’t suppose I’d be dashing to place myself able to be in comparison with his stellar work. The dude was Cogsworth, and that is a tricky act to observe – regardless of who you might be.
Lilo’s “Adoption” Isn’t Nani Abandoning Her Sister
Okay, the following piece we’re going to debate is one thing that requires quite a lot of sensitivity. With out losing an excessive amount of time, I’ll say that I’m targeted solely on the narrative factor and never the supposed insensitivity to the historical past of Hawaiian youngsters being adopted out of their tradition.
Is it a little bit of a stretch to consider the system would magically let Lilo stay with a conveniently shut household? It completely is… however in case you’re a Disney+ subscription holder, you kinda know that’s half for the course.
I don’t suppose Nani is abandoning Lilo in initially signing Mrs. Kekoa’s papers, as a result of she do it reluctantly. Additionally, the choice comes when she’s instructed by the social employee that Lilo’s insurance coverage shall be lined after an damage lands her within the hospital.
With David and Tūtū virtually being ohana anyway, it’s not like Lilo was despatched to a random household’s dwelling. She’s being cared for by household associates who know her, in addition to a barely softer Cobra Bubbles, whereas Nani research marine biology in San Diego – one other resolution that’s not made evenly or unilaterally.
Nani Went To School In San Diego With A Full Journey, And A Portal Gun
One other large query folks have been asking is, “Why would Nani go to San Diego, when she might examine marine biology in Hawaii?” Properly, as revealed by Tūtū, Lilo’s older sister had a full trip scholarship she’d been passing as much as handle her sister.
By the thought course of seen in Lilo & Sew’s ending, the choice for Nani to go to highschool is made between her and Lilo; who desires her to soundly pursue her dream. Understanding she’s protected with David, Tūtū and Cobra Bubbles, Lilo understands that she’s not being left behind, or forgotten.
To not point out, we’re given a fast mid-credit sequence the place it’s revealed that Nani nonetheless has Jumba’s portal gun in her possession. So if she desires to go dwelling for an evening, all she has to do is level and shoot. Some marvel why she wouldn’t simply stay at dwelling and commute to San Diego, however as anybody will let you know, the social expertise of school is as vital as what you’re studying.
The Adjustments In Lilo And Sew’s Ending Might Lead To The Similar Finish Consequence
There are tons of adjustments nice and small included in Lilo & Sew’s live-action revamp; however I believe it’s being finished from a spot of pure fandom. Nani and Lilo’s relationship is given extra significance and display screen time than it was within the animated unique, thus making their story stronger – and at occasions extra heartbreaking. You may even see that within the resolution to vary who saves Sew from drowning within the finale, as David initially had these duties.
However total, the potential for additional tales remains to be on an analogous observe, particularly with these choices strengthening threads included from the sequels and TV collection. Clearly Jumba’s try at turning Sew into Experiment 627 (Leroy) is the window for him to repair the eventual glitch that may come because of Lilo & Sew 2: Sew Has a Glitch already influencing this primary movie. (The place do you suppose they obtained Sew’s heartbreaking “dying” from?)
Lilo And Sew Fan Favourite Angel Might Issue In Jumba’s Hypothetical Revenge
Romance may be within the air for extra causes than one. Not solely might a live-action Lilo & Sew 2 discover Nani’s courtship with David because of Lilo dwelling with him, however one other beloved experiment might be on the best way. If Jumba desires revenge (earlier than an eventual face flip), he’ll in all probability attempt to seize Sew with one other creature proven on his spaceship’s console – Experiment 624, generally often called Angel.
She’s been all around the latest Lilo & Sew merch, and I believe that’s Disney’s approach of sentimental launching their relationship on a wider scale. And as all followers of Lilo & Sew: The Sequence know, her introduction permits the lovesick Sew to reform her in a approach just like how he modified.
However to do all of that, you want a powerful basis in your first image – and I consider the adjustments made to the story didn’t betray Ohana, however strengthened it. Nowhere is that this higher expressed than this piece of dialogue given to Lilo:
Ohana means household, and typically household isn’t good.
Whereas that is all open for interpretation, nowhere do I believe Lilo & Sew’s inventive workforce meant to water down or offensively alter the story. In the long term, it’s nonetheless a story of an alien antihero who reforms because of the people who perceive him and provides him grace; which might be returned by way of one other thrilling journey.