• Director Dean Fleischer Camp confirmed Pleakley will not wear a dress in the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch,' despite his attempts to include it.
• Fans are threatening to boycott the movie, criticizing Disney for removing a beloved element of the original film.
• The controversy echoes similar backlashes Disney faced with live-action remakes like 'Snow White', raising concerns about the new film's success.

The upcoming live-action remake of Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' has ignited controversy among fans due to the omission of Pleakley's signature dress. In the original animated film, Pleakley, an alien disguising himself on Earth, frequently wears dresses and wigs as part of his human disguise. Director Dean Fleischer Camp acknowledged fan concerns, stating he 'tried' to include the dress but was unsuccessful. This decision has led to widespread outrage and boycott threats, with many fans accusing Disney of caving to conservative pressures and betraying the spirit of the original movie. The film is scheduled for release on May 23.

• What: Controversy surrounding the removal of Pleakley's dress in the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' remake.
• Who: Dean Fleischer Camp (director), Billy Magnussen (actor playing Pleakley), Disney, outraged fans.
• When: Controversy emerged after the release of the trailer in March 2025 and Camp's TikTok video on May 8, 2025. The film is set to release on May 23, 2025.
• Where: Global, primarily focused on online reactions and social media platforms.

The controversy surrounding Pleakley's dress highlights the challenges Disney faces in adapting its animated classics for a modern audience. While the company aims for inclusivity, some changes can alienate core fans who cherish the original elements. The backlash mirrors similar controversies, such as the 'Snow White' remake, suggesting a pattern of fan dissatisfaction with certain creative decisions. The key issue appears to be the perception that Disney is compromising on beloved characters and themes, potentially impacting the film's box office performance.

"I have had people message me, ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress?’ And I just want to say, I tried… I tried."

'Disney are such cowards if they don’t include Pleakley in a wig and dress… no way a movie made for an audience 20 plus years ago had a more accepting climate than current times, we’re really regressing,'

The 'Lilo & Stitch' remake is facing significant headwinds due to the controversy surrounding Pleakley's wardrobe. The situation presents a challenge for Disney, as they must balance creative vision with fan expectations. The outcome of this controversy and the film's box office performance will likely influence future decisions regarding live-action adaptations of animated classics. The question remains whether Disney will address the concerns or proceed with the current direction, potentially alienating a significant portion of its audience.