'Lilo & Stich 2025': Captain Gantu removal in live action version was conscious choice?

Directed by Dean Fleicsher Camp, the live action version of the Lilo & Stitch movie has been facing massive backlash from fans.

Some admirers, who rushed to their nearby cinemas to watch the new film on the first weekend, were left disappointed after they noticed that the original villain of the 2022 animated version 'Captain Gantu' was missing.

The absence of the OG antagonist created an outrage on the internet with many questioning the need of removing the character.

Camp has addressed the controversy, while claiming that it was a conscious decision as the medium change forced Gantu’s exclusion, reports Screen Rant. 

He 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 because 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”, Dean explained.

Fans were hit with nostalgia after knowing that their childhood family adventure flick will be getting a remake. But the makers missed the essence that raised many eyebrows.

Lilo & Stitch 2025 brings back Chris Sanders voicing the blue alien along with Maia Kealoha playing Lilo and Sydney Agudong as Nani.