Fans eagerly awaiting the live-action remake of Disney’s beloved “Lilo & Stitch” have expressed concerns over whether the character Agent Pleakley, famously known for his humorous cross-dressing in the original animated film, will maintain this unique trait in the new adaptation. Director Dean Fleischer Camp has now directly addressed these concerns, and the news might disappoint some fans.
In response to fan queries shared on TikTok, Camp candidly revealed:
“I have had people message me [asking], ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress?’ And I just want to say I tried.”
This confirmation implies that Billy Magnussen’s portrayal of Pleakley will notably deviate from the character’s traditionally comedic human disguise involving dresses. Initial glimpses from the recently released trailer hinted at this change, showing Pleakley alongside Dr. Jumba Jookiba, portrayed by Zack Galifianakis, as they appear in standard human attire rather than Pleakley’s famously exaggerated disguise.
While Pleakley and Dr. Jumba are expected to retain their playful and comedic dynamic, central to their charm and appeal, this alteration signals a significant departure from the character’s original animated persona. Many fans, along with Camp himself, have expressed their disappointment over this particular change, highlighting the challenges of translating iconic animated elements into live-action formats.
Despite this adjustment, the “Lilo & Stitch” remake continues to generate excitement, promising to deliver nostalgia and heartwarming storytelling when it arrives in theaters.