Lilo & Stitch Director Explains Why Key Character Was Cut from the Live-Action Version: ‘I Do Stand by the Decision’

Captain Gantu will not be making trouble on screen this time around in the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ live-action

One of the key characters from 2002’s Lilo & Stitch doesn’t make an appearance in Disney’s live-action remake.

Captain Gantu, the villain from the animated feature, does not have a starring role alongside other major characters such as Lilo (Maia Kealoha), Stitch (Chris Sanders), Nani (Sydney Agudong), Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) and Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance).

Director Dean Fleischer Camp stood by the exclusion of the Captain of the Galactic Federation in a statement to Cinema Blend.

“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,” he told the outlet.

The filmmaker continued, “And also, I do stand by the decision, ’cause I feel like a lot of the things that, in trying to ground these characters more and tell a story with a little more emotional depth, especially between the sisters, I feel like you have to free up real estate to allow that breathing room to do those things.”

Lilo & Stitch is the latest Disney film to get the animation-to-live-action treatment. Previous projects that have been reimagined include Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan.

Disney is also currently working on various other live-action remakes, such as Moana, Hercules and The Aristocats.

See the Cast of the Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Side-by-Side with the Original Animated Characters

Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Reveals First Glimpse: ‘Experiment 626 Has Entered the Chat’

Lilo & Stitch “tells a story of the bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who was genetically engineered to be a force of destruction,” according to an official synopsis.

“With nosy social workers and pursuing aliens banging on the door, the two bond over a shared sense of family and win the day,” the synopsis continues.

Kealoha was just 7 years old when she filmed Lilo & Stitch.

“When I found out I was going to be Lilo, my jaw literally dropped and I couldn’t even believe it,” the young star told PEOPLE in May 2024.

Kealoha added: “I rung my dad and I said, ‘I did it! I’m Lilo! I’m Lilo!’ And then they grabbed me and we jumped up and down. I was so excited!”

Lilo & Stitch is in theaters now.