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Disney’s latest venture into live-action adaptations has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy, particularly surrounding the beloved character Pleakley from the animated classic Lilo & Stitch. As the film gears up for its release, fans are voicing their concerns about significant alterations to the character’s portrayal, reminiscent of the backlash faced by Disney earlier this year with Snow White.
Director’s TikTok revelation ignites fan outrage
Director Dean Fleischer Camp took to TikTok to engage with fans and answer questions about the upcoming film. During this Q&A session, he revealed that he had attempted to include an iconic moment from the original cartoon, where Pleakley, an alien character, dresses in a floral dress and wig while searching for Stitch.
However, this moment was ultimately cut from the live-action adaptation, leading to a wave of disappointment among fans.
“I have had people message me, ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress?’ And I just want to say, I tried… I tried,” Camp lamented, sharing a concept drawing of Pleakley in a red wig and blue dress.
This revelation has sparked a heated debate online, with many fans expressing their frustration over the decision to omit such a defining aspect of Pleakley’s character.
Comparisons to past Disney controversies
The backlash against the changes to Pleakley echoes the criticism Disney faced with its live-action adaptation of Snow White, which struggled at the box office and was marred by various controversies.
Fans have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with Disney’s approach to remaking animated classics, often feeling that the essence of the original films is lost in translation.
In previous adaptations, such as The Jungle Book and Mulan, fans were upset over significant character changes and omissions, leading to questions about Disney’s commitment to honoring its legacy.
The alterations to Pleakley’s character in Lilo & Stitch have reignited these concerns, prompting fans to wonder if the new film can truly capture the magic of the original.
Fan reactions and the future of Disney adaptations
As the trailer for Lilo & Stitch amassed over 100 million views, the excitement was palpable.
However, the changes to Pleakley’s character have cast a shadow over the film’s release. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with comments ranging from supportive of Camp’s vision to outright anger at Disney’s decision-making.
“Disney are such cowards if they don’t include Pleakley in a wig and dress… we’re really regressing,” one fan remarked, highlighting the frustration many feel about the current political climate and its impact on creative decisions. As anticipation builds for the film’s release on May 23, the question remains: can Disney navigate the fine line between innovation and tradition in its beloved adaptations?
