- Crossover Villains
- Cartoon Villains
- Movie Villains
- TV Show Villains
- Comedy Villains
- Anime Villains
- Sensational Six Villains
- Status Dependent on Version
- Type Dependent on Version
- Male
- Lawful Neutral
- Anti-Villains
- Aliens
- Animals
- Extremists
- Supervillains
- Fallen Heroes
- Anthropomorphic
- Humanoid
- Giants
- Leaders
- Redeemed
- Brutes
- Arrogant
- Corrupt Officials
- The Heavy
- Enforcers
- Minions
- Pawns
- Wrathful
- Sadists
- Failure-Intolerant
- Tragic
- Egotists
- Fighters
- Military
- Hypocrites
- Kidnappers
- Greedy
- Obsessed
- Provokers
- Delusional
- Mongers
- Traitors
- Brainwashers
- Honorable
- Insecure
- Betrayed
- Poachers
- Evil Vs. Evil
- Conspirators
- Deal Makers
- Successful
- Friend of a Hero
- Homicidal
- Dark Knights
- Game Bosses
- Necessary Evil
- Affably Evil
- Torturers
- Martial Artists
- Incompetent
- Self-Aware
- Gaolers
- Destroyers of Innocence
- Outcasts
- Scapegoat
- Rivals
- Mercenaries
- Archenemies
- Merfolk
- Protagonists
- One-Man Army
- Possessed/Brainwashed
- Protective
- Trickster
- Servant of a Hero
- Dimwits
- Smugglers
- Nemesis
Captain Gantu
|
Captain Gantu Hämsterviel's right-hand man(formerly) Immense strength Get rid of Stitch and maintain a job that suits him. Serial kidnapping
Full Name
Alias
Captain
Big Dummy
Crankyhead
Little Goo Goo
Big Stinky Head
Uncle Chester
Stupidhead
Squid breath
Stinky Head
Dummy Head
Mr. Crankyhead
Fish lips
Lenny
Ace Jackson
John Bob Jones SmithOrigin
Occupation
Powers / Skills
Immense durability
High speed
Fighting skills
Piloting proficiency
Leadership
Marksmanship
Hunting skills
Control over the Galactic Federation ForcesGoals
Capture all 625 experiments(when he works for Hämsterviel).
Gain an employment that fits him(aside from Hämsterviel).
Help Hämsterviel capture Lilo and Stitch(all formerly).
Help Lilo and her friends to defeat Hamsterviel and his Leroy's clones(succeeded).Crimes
Attempted murder
Child abduction
Trafficking
Death threats
Aiding and abetting
Mass forced confinement
Destruction of property
Mass brainwashing
Usurpation
Enslavement
Theft
Jailbreak
Extortion
Stalking
Assault and battery
Physical abuse
Child abuse
Child endangerment
Trespassing
Vandalism
Illegal use of weapons
InvasionType of Villain
| “ | Surprise! And here, I thought you'd be difficult to catch. Silly me. There you go, all buckled up for the trip. And look, I even got you a littlesnack. | „ |
| ~ Gantu upon capturing Lilo and Stitch. |
| “ | You didn't open this cell, I did. I'm breaking you two outta here. Aloha. | „ |
| ~ Gantu reforming himself. |
Captain Gantu, simply known asGantu, is the secondary antagonist ofDisney'sLilo & Stitch franchise.
Originally a high-ranking official of the United Galactic Federation, he becomes the enforcer ofDr. Jacques von Hämsterviel who was tasked with capturing every single illegal genetic experiment ofDr. Jumba Jookiba, in hopes of achieving intergalactic domination. Underneath his tough exterior, however, lies a soul that needs to be brought out by any sufficient force of good, whether living or not. He is thetitularduo's former arch-nemesis and the best friend ofReuben.
He is voiced byKevin Michael Richardson in most of his appearances, including the original film andThe Series, who also playedDark Laser inThe Fairly OddParents,Black Samurai inScooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword,Sarevok Anchev inBaldur's Gate,Ian the Gator inThe Princess and the Frog,Jack from Jupiter fromThe Boys Presents: Diabolical,Jabba the Hutt inStar Wars: The Clone Wars,Shredder inTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,Trigon inTeen Titans andTeen Titans Go!,Samson's Father inThe Wild,Temutai inKung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness,Prince John inHouse of Mouse andKamek inThe Super Mario Bros Movie. InStitch!, he was voiced byKeith Silverstein, (who also voicedHawk Moth in the English dub of Miraculous Ladybug,Hammerhead inMarvel's Spider-Man,Dr. Wily inMega Man 11,Hisoka Morow inHunter × Hunter andJohan Liebert inMonster. InStitch & Ai, he was voiced by Richard Epcar.
Quick Answers
What role does Captain Gantu play in Lilo & Stitch?
Who is Captain Gantu's owner in Lilo & Stitch?
How does Captain Gantu's character evolve in the series?
How does Captain Gantu's relationship with Reuben develop?
What motivates Captain Gantu's actions in the franchise?
Development[]
In earlier drafts of the film, Gantu's role in the climax of the film was taken by a character called Ramthar, who was a member of Stitch's gang of criminals. As the storyline changed, most of the gang was phased out and Ramthar played the role of a bounty hunter. Ramthar capturing Lilo still remained, even with the creation of Gantu in the intervening period.
Appearance[]

Gantu's appearance in the film
Gantu is a giant muscular alien resembling a gray-blue humanoid shark or whale, which is a recurring joke wherein many characters often compare him to fishes, crustaceans, and sharks. His legs resemble those of elephants. He wears a black spacesuit consisting of a tank shirt with thick red brims on his sleeves and matching linings vertically on both sides of it, and trousers with their same vertical linings on his leggings. He also wears a gray belt with a light gray "V" on the front, a holster on the right, and black wristbands.
Personality[]
Gantu is a strict, egotistical, and no-nonsense soldier. He is not exactly evil, but follows his orders in an admittedly ruthless and unpleasant manner and tends to take rules literally. He is fairly sadistic and destructive, as he seemed to enjoy seeing Stitch in shackles and, later, to shoot or capture him every chance he got. He does not tolerate failure or being mocked as shown through his interactions with Stitch andReuben. Even after being fired from his position, he seemed eager to redeem himself, and meanwhile remind others of his past military service. He is also fairly hardworking and conscientious, but can be impulsive and extemporaneous, which often works against him.
He tends to get easily annoyed, hotheaded, obstreperous, and argumentative, willingly resorting to violence against those who insult him. His loyalty to Hämsterviel is strictly that of an employer and worker, as Hämsterviel is disrespectful and vituperative for Gantu, despite all the hard work he does. Even so, Gantu is always willing to leave Hämsterviel whenever an opportunity to earn cash presents itself. He still tolerates Hämsterviel's insults and tends to be meek towards those whose authority he is under, whether the Grand Councilwoman or Hämsterviel. He is often called "Big Dummy", "Stinky Head", or "Blubber Butt" by other characters, which he doesn't tolerate. Gantu is also quite perceptive, and known to conduct decent plans for capturing experiments. He also tends to endure the most pain and slapstick throughout the series. However, he sometimes does get a happy ending in episodes such as "Clip", "Amnesio", "Topper", "Phoon", and "Snooty". He willingly give Experiment 600 Woops away to Lilo and Stitch because of Woops' clumsiness has driving him crazy.
Gantu can also be rather greedy, covetous, acquisitive, materialistic, avaricious, and selfish, as shown in "Houdini" when he took credit for Reuben finding an experiment pod, only for it to backfire as the experiment was Fudgy, who smothered Hämsterviel in chocolate. Additionally, he can be lazy, such as in "Mrs. Hasagawa's Cats" when he opted for sleep instead of searching for the experiments, and a little slow due to his serious nature and his inability to discern jokes and sarcasm as shown throughout the series and inLeroy & Stitch. He is also sympathetic in "Topper" when he gave an experiment pod to a little girl as a present, and in "Mr. Stenchy" when he refused to give Hämsterviel Mr. Stenchy, because he grew fond of him. He also stated it was cute when Lilo named the experiments in "Clip". He even opened up to Reuben about his childhood in "Dupe".
He is the type to hold grudges, as shown through his grudge against Stitch and always willing to battle him. He was even happily watching the moment when Stitch's cousins were about to pummel him in "Angel". He also seems to hold a grudge against Lilo, but is less likely to deal her harm, implying that he noticeably knows to control himself and not abuse someone weaker than him. He will also back out of a deal in exchange for a better one, as shown through his attempts at finding a good job to escape Hämsterviel's employment and also in "Sample", where he sold out Stitch and Sample so the alien hunters hunting Gantu wouldn't hurt him, and that he would give Sample to Hämsterviel in return. Also, despite his claims of hating Earth, he is shown enjoying many of the recreational activities on Hawaii, such as hula dancing, kickboxing, a spa weekend, games and sports, owning a boat, watching TV, surfing, and karaoke.
Biography[]
Background[]
Gantu is the captain of the Galactic Armada, serving as the second-in-command to the Grand Councilwoman. But unlike the Grand Councilwoman, Gantu was known for holding no sympathy towards criminals or fugitives, and preferring immediate arrest and punishment above other policies.
After Gantu's failed attempt to arrest 626, and following his discharge from the Galactic Federation as well, Gantu left to work for a notorious criminal known as Dr. Hämsterviel, who sought out to capture the other 625 ofDr. Jumba Jookiba's creations. Though his actions under Hämsterviel's control were completely villainous, Gantu noted several times that the job was mostly taken out of a desperate need for money, while another motivation could include revenge on Lilo and Stitch.
Lilo & Stitch[]
Gantu appeared at Jumba's trial. Gantu immediately felt that Jumba's Experiment 626 was a complete and total menace to society and should be destroyed. Upon hearing 626 speak, Gantu placed Jumba under arrest and sent 626 to be banished to a desert asteroid. Gantu has a little interrogation before exiting the room and, during his absence, 626 escapes. The Grand Councilwoman then hires Jumba and an Earth expert named Pleakley to go to Earth to capture Stitch.
Gantu plays a much bigger role in the second half of the movie, when Jumba and Pleakley fail within a two day period, resulting in the Grand Councilwoman hiring Gantu to finish the job. Gantu successfully captures 626 (now under the name "Stitch") and his newfound human friend Lilo. Stitch manages to escape, although Gantu is clueless to his freedom. Stitch, Lilo's sister Nani, and a reformed Jumba and Pleakley then set off to save Lilo. A battle ensues, and Stitch rescues Lilo. After the battle, the heroes and Gantu return to the island. Gantu is then fired from his job for following his orders in a brutal manner and endangering the lives of others during the mission. He doesn't appear again for the rest of the movie, so it's presumed he departed aboard the Grand Councilwoman's ship as he isn't depicted as having being left on Earth, though it's likely that once back on space, Gantu was kicked out from the galaxy's navy.
Stitch! The Movie[]
Gantu returns in this film aiding the evil Dr. Hämsterviel in his goal to take over the galaxy. He kidnaps Jumba and uses him as a hostage in order to gain the other 625 experiments Jumba created. With the guidance of Cobra Bubbles and the Grand Councilwoman, Hämsterviel and Gantu make a trade with Jumba, successfully gaining the experiments with the exception ofExperiment 221 (Sparky), which is in the hands of Lilo and Stitch. On Gantu's ship, Lilo and Stitch battle Gantu for the experiments, but they are accidentally unleashed on Hawaii. After a circuit malfunction created by Sparky, Gantu's ship crash lands in Hawaii, leaving Gantu stranded with an experiment released to destroy Stitch, but turned out to be nothing more than a lazy sandwich-maker: Experiment 625.
Lilo & Stitch: The Series[]

Gantu in the series
Gantu appears as one of the series' main villains and is featured in almost every episode. Gantu is now the official henchman of Hämsterviel and plans to capture all 625 experiments. Gantu is given a sidekick as well, the wisecracking Experiment 625. He is revealed to be quite bumbling and dim-witted, compared to his debut appearance. He tries various schemes and natural forces to capture all the experiments with little success. Near the end of the series, he is revealed to have only captured seventeen of them, but these experiments were soon released by Lilo and Stitch. The series implies that Gantu works for Hämsterviel for money and money only. In "Wishy-Washy", an experiment with the ability to grant wishes prompts Gantu to betray Hämsterviel, not needing the villain with the power of wishes. He given away Woops to Lilo and Stitch because his clumsiness has driven him crazy.
Leroy & Stitch[]
Three years after the experiments were released onto the island and turned good by Lilo and Stitch, Gantu attempts to redeem himself in the eyes of Hämsterviel by breaking the latter out of prison. He does so successfully, leaving 625 behind on Earth. Hämsterviel then enlists Gantu in his new scheme to create an evil clone of Stitch in a plot to take over the galaxy. They head over to Jumba's lab, where the scientist currently resides after receiving his keys back from the Grand Councilwoman.
Gantu threatens to kill Jumba unless he cooperates with Hämsterviel and finish the nearly-complete experiment in the lab. Once the experiment is complete, Hämsterviel names it Leroy (a name which Gantu and Jumba seem to find funny) and orders it to capture all the other experiments. Once they are collected, Hämsterviel fires Gantu, no longer needing the former captain. As a result of the discharge, Gantu decides to turn over a new leaf by freeing a captive Lilo and 625 (now named "Reuben" by Lilo). The team meets up with Stitch, Jumba and Pleakley and head to Earth to battle the Leroy army and save the galaxy. After the mission is a success, Gantu is granted his position as captain of the Galactic Armada once again with Reuben as his galley officer, with Gantu adding that he actually liked Reuben's egg salad recipe.
Stitch![]
In the non canon anime, he works under Dr. Hämsterviel to steal Stitch's Good Deed Counter. According to the English dub, Gantu was dishonorably discharged from his Galactic Federation job due to bad karaoke singing. Gantu has a huge obsession with a television drama called "Red Rose Maiden", or "The Young and the Stupid" in the English dub, and has a huge crush on the main character of the drama, Princess Michigo.
During the show's third season, Gantu and Reuben have been tasked by Dr. Hämsterviel andDelia to get the Neo Power Cell residing in Stitch. To do so, Dr. Hämsterviel captured, re-civilized, and mutated the other 624 experiments which Gantu was given upon the day.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep[]

Gantu as he appears inKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.
Gantu has a relatively less important role as a minor antagonist inKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. In the game, he is found and resides in theLilo & Stitch-based world ofDeep Space. Holding a desperate struggle to retain the dangerous Experiment 626, it is both on and before his quest to recapture Experiment 626 that he crosses paths with Terra, Ventus and Aqua. Gantu first appeared alongside the Grand Councilwoman after he reported capturing a strange being floating through space, showing her an unconscious Terra in one of the ship's prison cells. The two aliens were soon attacked by a group of Unversed, Gantu attempting to defend the Grand Councilwoman but eventually forced to flee while a recently awakened Terra took on the mysterious creatures.
When Aqua arrived in Deep Space, she was captured by Gantu, who was on the search of the renegade Dr. Jumba Jookiba and Experiment 626 and branded an intruder by the massive extraterrestrial. She was then taken to the Grand Councilwoman. Gantu was criticized when he told the Grand Councilwoman the ship's weapons were no match against the Unversed. Aqua was hired to eliminate them in his place; she was also told to search for Experiment 626 and Jumba. When the Keyblade-wielder found the fugitives on the docking bay, Gantu ultimately attacked with a desire for revenge. Witnessing his attack on her security monitors, the Grand Councilwoman arrived on the docking bay after the battle between Gantu, Experiment 626 and Aqua had ended, demoting Gantu back to Patrol status despite his protests.
Having recaptured Experiment 626, who had escaped during Terra's visit and was later given a fighting chance at survival for learning about friendship during Aqua's visit, Gantu was interrupted from tormenting the small alien. Soon after, an intruder was detected. He found Ventus, whom he accused of being the trespasser. Ventus explained he was merely following an Unversed that had snuck aboard the ship, Gantu calling him a liar, since no other intruders had been sensed. However, the Grand Councilwoman's announcements of a monster causing the engine to go wild and out of control made him change his mind and pursue the creature. Ventus then proceeded to disobey Gantu's orders to stay put, defeating the mysterious Unversed alongside Experiment 626. Ventus and the renegade Experiment 626 affirmed their friendship, but then Gantu arrived in an attempt to destroy them. He was out-maneuvered and Experiment 626 was able to escape the ship.
Disney Parks[]
Gantu makes occasional appearances at the Disney parks. He is mostly seen in Tokyo Disneyland. He also made an appearance at Disneyland Paris for Stitch's Hawaiian Paradise. Gantu can be seen in the Tokyo parade Lilo and Stitch's Big Panic.
Stitch's Great Escape![]
Gantu appears in the Lilo and Stitch based attraction in the Magic Kingdom. Gantu pilots Disney Parks' guests through the tutorial along with Pleakley. Gantu accompanies guests in the search for Stitch. Soon enough a level 3 threat breaks alert and Gantu himself worries for the safety of the guests. He joins them into the room where they meet and interact with the level 3 (Stitch).
Stitch Live![]
Gantu makes an appearance in the live Disneyland Paris attraction. Here, Gantu's cruiser was stolen by Stitch (It was rather easy for the experiment as Gantu left the keys inside). Stitch then asks the audience to assist him is his escape, but Gantu arrives anyway and begins to attack. The audience, and the cast member, guide Stitch through the ship to find his own. Once he does, he makes his escape, leaving Gantu frustrated.
Midsummer Night's Panic[]
In Tokyo Disneyland, Gantu and Hämsterviel, with an army, plot to capture Stitch and travel to Earth. During the middle of a summer get together, Gantu is ordered to make his move; however, Lilo challenges him to a music face-off. After Gantu's defeat, he ultimately gives up and decides to join Lilo and Stitch in their party. Soon enough, Hämsterviel arrives shocked by the situation. In spite of the confusion, Hämsterviel decides to join the party as well.
Chibi Tiny Tales[]
In the recap version ofLilo and Stitch, Gantu is with the Grand Councilwoman in the council where they disapproved of Stitch due to being an abomination and for Stitch's fate is decided to be exiled, but Stitch manages to escape to Lilo's room. Having been sent on a mission and determined to beat both Jumba and Pleakley to Stitch, Gantu spies on Stitch surfing at the beach with Lilo, Nani and David. Gaining an opportunity to capture Stitch, Gantu operates his ship to capture Lilo in a tube and holds her for ransom. Nani, wishing for Lilo to come back, uses a branch to swing Stitch at Gantu's ship where he breaks into the ship and attacks Gantu, knocking him out and rescuing Lilo.
Quotes[]
| “ | Dr. Jumba Jookiba. Lead scientist of Galaxy Defense Industries. You stand before this council, accused, of illegal genetic experimentation. | „ |
| ~ Gantu when reading Jumba's charges. |
| “ | Place that idiot scientist under arrest! | „ |
| ~ Gantu when trialed Jumba guilty. |
| “ | Pursuit commander, that crazy trog is about to make a jump! | „ |
| ~ Gantu when warning his soldiers that Stitch is using Hyperdrive. |
| “ | You've got something I need. Power! This could be a start of a beautiful relationship. | „ |
| ~ Gantu to 627 |
Trivia[]
- Gantu is an expert in twelve martial arts.
- Gantu appears, along with several otherLilo & Stitch characters, in a parody of the Disney Channel Original MovieHigh School Musical, which was broadcast as part of theHigh School Musical: Around the World one-year anniversary special.
- Gantu doesn't appear to be evil in the first film. However, it is completely unknown why he captured Lilo together with Stitch. It was probably unintentional, but he had no qualms with abducting her alongside Stitch (his primary target) and then didn't bother to release her, even going so far as to comment to the two of them as he loaded them onto his ship, "And look, I even got you a little snack," implying that he thought Stitch might eat Lilo. It is possible, though, that he didn't release Lilo simply because it would have given Stitch the opportunity to escape once again.
- Adeleted scene further highlighted how misguided his actions were despite good intentions behind them; he tried to persuade the Grand Councilwoman to grant him authorization to capture Stitch himself instead of Jumba and Pleakley to no avail, going so far as to reveal to have acquired Jumba's notes pertaining to 626's purpose and capabilities for the job. To his frustration however, they denied him the request despite just as concerned, leaving him no choice but to prepare for the worst in advance.
- It is unknown how Gantu, who used to be more intelligent and competent in the original film, became quite bumbling and somewhat dim-witted in the TV series. It is possible that he has lost most of his bravado and competence as the result of being upset over getting fired from the Galactic Armada at the end of the original film.
- According to Gantu in "Richter", he is from the eighth planet of the Keplok system.
- Gantu is mean and hostile due to his intellectual memory. This is proven when he loses his memory in "Amnesio", as he becomes very polite and kind at once.
- Gantu seems to dislike working for Hämsterviel and has occasionally done hostile things to him on purpose, which proves Gantu is not always on Hämsterviel's side, as this is due to Hämsterviel's abusive treatment towards him. After Hämsterviel fired Gantu inLeroy & Stitch, he decided to join Lilo and Reuben's side.
- People mistake him as a whale or shark, due to the fact that he resembles a bipedal whale or shark. He has also been mistaken as a Samoan (due to his large size and when he is wearing human clothing).
- Despite claiming to not like the planet itself, Gantu seems to enjoy recreational activities on Earth. He danced at a luau in "Clip", showed an interest in kickboxing in "Kixx", enjoyed a spa weekend in "Fibber", played checkers and basketball in "Slugger", bought a boat to become a captain in "Shoe", watched Macki Macaw on TV in "Snooty", went surfing in "Phoon", played cards in "Ace", and sang karaoke in "Snafu".
- In "Dupe", Gantu revealed that in his past, his father was an authoritarian, and it is because of this that he grew up lonely and with no friends. His father also told him to never trust people and to avoid them. Additionally, he revealed that he was often excluded from his peer groups' parties by the age of twelve and had braces at the age of thirteen.
- In "Wishy-Washy", Gantu had a school year hologram, which is similar to a school yearbook; he was a member of an unknown football team and had a girlfriend named Cinta.
- It is also revealed that Gantu chose to join the Galactic Armada over marrying Cinta because his pride and ambition wouldn't allow him to.
- His favorite kind of sandwich is egg salad as mentioned inStitch! The Movie andLeroy & Stitch. However, inStitch! The Movie, he states that he dislikes bologna because it is too fatty.
- It has also been mentioned sporadically throughout the series and in the episode "Richter" that he is shown to like toasted bacon and raisin, as well as chicken soup sandwiches in "Slushy", "Poxy", and "Slick".
- However, he states in "Frenchfry" that he dislikes sweets, yet he devoured a whole cake that Frenchfry made him, which caused him to bloat up. On the other hand, this could be attributed to Frenchfry's ability to make food irresistibly delicious.
- In "Swapper", he is revealed to be allergic to Hämsterviel's dandruff while inside the latter's body.
- Gantu was originally intended to appear in the 2025 live-action remake, but according to multiple X accounts, he had been scrapped, which the reason was eventually revealed to be due to budgetary constraints. As a result,Jumba was rewritten as the main antagonist in the final film.
- However, it has been described that Gantu will allegedly be featured in a sequel if it is green-lit.
- In June 2025 A sequel to Live Action Lilo and Stitch was green-lit, so it's possible that Gantu will appear.
External Links[]
- Captain Gantu on theHeroes Wiki
- Captain Gantu on theDisney Wiki
- Captain Gantu on theLilo and Stitch Wiki
Navigation[]
Villains | ||
Original Spin-Offs Video games | ||
Villains | ||
Huntsman |Huntsgirl |Professor Rotwood |Dr. Diente |Dark Dragon |Councillor Chang |Shade Demons |Bananas B. |Yang Jake |Gorgon Sisters |Guardian Serpent |Eli Excelsior Pandarus |Jersey Devil |Sigmund Brock |Krylock Demon |Yan Yan |Vault Demon |Tiburón | ||
Villains | ||
Story Mode Events | ||






