‘Lilo & Stitch’ director explains absence of previous character in new movie

Lilo & Stitch, which returns 23 years after the original, is the first animated film to get the live-action treatment by Disney and earned a record-breaking $55 million on Friday alone.

The movie is a remake of Disney’s 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch.

Fans showed a remarkable reaction to the premiere; however, one of the important characters, Captain Gantu, from the original films, doesn’t appear in the latest remake.

Captain Gantu was the villain in the animated feature and played alongside other major characters, including Lilo, Stitch, Nani, Pleakley, Dr. Jumba Jookiba, and Cobra Bubbles.

Director of the remake, Dean Fleischer Camp, explains the absence of the Captain of the Galactic Federation in a statement to Cinema Blend.

The director said that since Gantu didn’t work in live action, they had to cut him out.

“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,” Dean told the outlet.

Dean further added that he “stands by the decision” because, to give the story emotional depth and root the character in reality, you have to create room to let moments breathe, especially between the sisters.

Lilo & Stitch was released globally on 23 May, Friday, and became the biggest-ever Memorial Day weekend opening.

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