Summary:
- Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, with Chris Sanders returning to voice Stitch.
- Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, and Courtney B. Vance play major roles.
- The film introduces new characters and addresses a casting controversy.
The 2025 live-action/animated remake of Lilo and Stitch features a refreshed ensemble of actors while staying rooted in the beloved 2002 animated classic. With a mix of fresh faces and seasoned voices, the film aims to retain its heartwarming spirit. Set to release on May 23, 2025, this article explores the complete cast, character roles, and the notable changes from the original.
Who Plays Lilo and Stitch in the 2025 Remake?
Maia Kealoha plays Lilo Pelekai, the imaginative Hawaiian girl who adopts the alien creature Stitch. This marks her film debut. Voicing Stitch once again is Chris Sanders, the original creator and voice actor of the character in the 2002 film. His return lends authenticity and continuity to the character.
| Character | Actor/Actress | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilo Pelekai | Maia Kealoha | Orphaned six-year-old Native Hawaiian girl, loves hula, surfing, wildlife, imaginative yet rebellious. | Debut film role, brings a fresh perspective to the character. |
| Stitch (Experiment 626) | Chris Sanders (voice) | Blue koala-like alien experiment, unruly, impulsive, freakishly strong, learns about family through Lilo. | Sanders created and originated the role, reprising from the 2002 film. |
| Nani Pelekai | Sydney Elizebeth Agudong | Lilo’s older sister, legal guardian, intelligent, overachieving, athletic, faces family pressures. | Modern take on Nani, emphasizing her protective nature. |
| Dr. Jumba Jookiba | Zach Galifianakis (voice) | Kweltikwan mad scientist who created Stitch, initially captures, becomes ally. | Galifianakis adds comedic flair, replacing David Ogden Stiers. |
| Agent Pleakley | Billy Magnussen (voice) | Plorgonarian agent, expert on Earth, assists Jumba, later supports Lilo and Nani. | Replaces Kevin McDonald, brings fresh comedic interpretation. |
| Cobra Bubbles | Courtney B. Vance | Federal agent, monitors Lilo’s family, replaces Captain Gantu’s role. | Vance adds depth, originally voiced by Ving Rhames in the series. |
| David Kawena | Kaipo Dudoit | Native Hawaiian student, surfer, Nani’s boyfriend, supportive, performs fire knife dance. | Recast after Kahiau Machado due to racial slur controversy. |
| Mrs. Kekoa | Tia Carrere | New character, 55-year-old AANHPI social worker, kind, practical, checks on Nani. | Carrere, original Nani voice, takes on this new role. |
| Tūtū | Amy Hill | New character, Native Hawaiian in her 70s, David’s grandmother, warm, quick-witted. | Hill, original Mrs. Hasagawa voice, adds grandmotherly presence. |
| Grand Councilwoman | Hannah Waddingham (voice) | Grey alien leader of United Galactic Federation, orders Stitch’s capture. | New addition, enhances extraterrestrial hierarchy. |
| Lūʻau Manager | Jason Scott Lee | Cameo role, minor character, previously voiced David in original and sequel. | Nod to fans, cameo appearance in the remake. |
What Are the Main Casting Choices in Lilo and Stitch 2025?
Sydney Agudong portrays Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister and guardian. She brings a protective and resilient presence to the role. Zach Galifianakis voices Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the alien scientist who created Stitch, replacing David Ogden Stiers with his signature comedic style.
Agent Pleakley, the alien Earth expert, is voiced by Billy Magnussen, who steps in for Kevin McDonald. Cobra Bubbles, now a key authority figure monitoring Lilo’s family, is portrayed by Courtney B. Vance, taking over for Ving Rhames.
David Kawena, Nani’s supportive surfer boyfriend, is played by Kaipo Dudoit, following a recasting of Kahiau Machado after a racial slur controversy. This decision aligns with Disney’s aim for culturally sensitive casting.
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Which New Characters Appear in the 2025 Version?
The remake introduces Mrs. Kekoa, a kind social worker portrayed by Tia Carrere, the original voice of Nani. Tūtū, played by Amy Hill, is a warm, quick-witted grandmother figure, adding cultural depth.
Hannah Waddingham voices the Grand Councilwoman, the Galactic Federation’s leader. A small cameo by Jason Scott Lee, who voiced David in the original, appears as a Lūʻau Manager.
How Do These Roles Integrate with the Storyline?
The emotional core remains centered on Lilo and Stitch, with their journey through chaos, belonging, and love. Nani navigates guardianship, while David provides supportive grounding. Jumba and Pleakley evolve from antagonists to allies, and Cobra Bubbles becomes a surrogate authority figure.
New roles like Mrs. Kekoa and Tūtū expand the film’s portrayal of Hawaiian community and culture. The Grand Councilwoman strengthens the galactic hierarchy narrative, replacing Captain Gantu, who is absent in this version due to budget constraints.
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Kahiau Machado was initially announced for the role of David Kawena but was later removed after the surfacing of past racial slurs online. Kaipo Dudoit was cast as a replacement, with this change aiming to maintain Disney’s standards for representation and cultural respect, particularly for Native Hawaiian roles.
The film is set to premiere in the United States on May 23, 2025.
Source: People
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