Overview

• Dean Fleischer Camp revealed in a TikTok video that he tried to include Pleakley's drag disguise in the live-action remake but was unable to due to technical, budgetary, and studio limitations.
• The live-action adaptation replaces Pleakley's and Jumba's human clothing disguises with CGI holographic devices, a decision that has drawn backlash from fans of the original 2002 animated film.
• Fans have expressed outrage online and called for boycotts, accusing Disney of erasing queer-coded elements, which were a defining aspect of Pleakley's character in the original movie.
• Disney has not issued any public statement addressing the controversy, even as the film's May 23 theatrical release approaches.
• The live-action Lilo & Stitch trailer, released in March, garnered 158 million views in 24 hours, becoming Disney’s second most-watched live-action trailer, reflecting high anticipation despite the backlash.