The Ohana Revealed: A Complete Guide To The Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast (2025)

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch, is finally on the horizon, bringing the spirit of 'ohana back to the big screen with a mix of fresh talent and familiar voices. As of December 2025, the full cast list is confirmed, showcasing a commitment to authentic Hawaiian casting that has fans buzzing with excitement. This deep dive reveals every confirmed actor, their role, and why this new generation of stars is perfectly poised to tell the heartwarming story of a lonely girl, her older sister, and Experiment 626.

The film, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (known for the critically acclaimed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), is scheduled to hit theaters on May 23, 2025. The production has been meticulous in its casting, ensuring that the heart and soul of the original story—rooted deeply in Hawaiian culture and the concept of 'ohana (family)—remains intact. Here is the definitive list of the actors bringing the Pelekai family and their extraterrestrial friends to life.

The Complete Ohana: Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast Profiles

The core of the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake rests on the shoulders of its main cast, particularly the young talent chosen to portray the Pelekai sisters and their community. The casting choices emphasize actors with strong ties to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, lending an essential layer of authenticity to the project.

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Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai

• Role: Lilo Pelekai, the spirited and quirky young girl who adopts Stitch, believing him to be a dog.
• Biography: Maia Kealoha is a rising child actress from Hawaii, whose casting marks her feature film debut. She was approximately seven years old when she was cast in the iconic role. Kealoha is a proud Hawaiian who is an accomplished hula dancer, a skill that aligns perfectly with Lilo’s character in the original film. Her selection was praised for bringing a genuine local presence to the lead role.
• Notable Credits: Lilo & Stitch (2025) is her first major professional acting credit.

Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai

• Role: Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister and guardian who struggles to keep their family together.
• Biography: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong is an American actress and singer, born and raised in Kauaʻi, Hawaii. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting and music career. Her background as a local Hawaiian actress was a key factor in her casting as the protective, yet overwhelmed, older sister Nani.
• Notable Credits: Known for her work in television series such as NCIS and the Netflix series Find Millie Martin.

Chris Sanders as the Voice of Stitch (Experiment 626)

• Role: The voice of Stitch, the mischievous, destructive, yet ultimately loving alien experiment.
• Biography: Christopher Michael Sanders is an American filmmaker, animator, and voice actor. Crucially, he is the co-writer, co-director, and co-creator of the original 2002 animated film. His return to voice the titular character is a major win for the live-action project, providing a direct link to the emotional core and iconic sound of the original alien.
• Notable Credits: Co-director of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. Also the voice of the title character in the Croods franchise.

Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena

• Role: David Kawena, Nani’s kind-hearted, fire-dancing friend and love interest.
• Biography: Kaipo Dudoit is a Native Hawaiian actor, model, and hula dancer, born and raised on the island of Oʻahu. His cultural background and experience as a hula dancer make him an authentic choice for the character of David, who is known for his surfing and fire-dancing skills.
• Notable Credits: Has appeared in projects like Rescue: HI-Surf and Fair.

The Galactic Federation and Supporting Cast Surprises

The live-action remake is not just about Lilo and Nani; it’s also about the bizarre and hilarious alien characters who land on Earth to retrieve Experiment 626. The casting for these roles features high-profile comedians and seasoned dramatic actors, guaranteeing the film retains its unique blend of sci-fi comedy and family drama.

Zach Galifianakis as Jumba Jookiba

The role of the eccentric, four-eyed, self-proclaimed "evil genius" Dr. Jumba Jookiba will be played by veteran comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis. Galifianakis is known for his distinctive, deadpan comedic style, which is expected to bring a fresh, hilarious take to the character who created Stitch.

• Key Entities: Jumba Jookiba, "Evil Genius," The Grand Councilwoman, *The Hangover* Trilogy, *Between Two Ferns*.

Billy Magnussen as Pleakley

Playing the one-eyed, cross-dressing Galactic Federation agent, Agent Wendy Pleakley, is actor Billy Magnussen. Magnussen is a versatile performer known for his comedic and dramatic roles, often playing characters with a charming, slightly off-kilter energy, which is perfect for the often-panicked Pleakley.

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• Key Entities: Agent Pleakley, Galactic Federation, Prince Anders in *Aladdin* (2019), *Into the Woods*, *Game Night*.

Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles

The intimidating social worker and former CIA agent, Cobra Bubbles, will be portrayed by the highly respected actor Courtney B. Vance. Vance’s casting signals a serious, dramatic weight for the character, who is tasked with monitoring the Pelekai sisters and deciding if Lilo and Nani can stay together. His presence ensures the film's emotional stakes are felt deeply.

• Key Entities: Cobra Bubbles, CIA Agent, Social Worker, *The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story*, *Lovecraft Country*.

Nods to the Original: Returning Voices and New Roles

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the live-action casting is the inclusion of actors from the original animated film, a clear sign of respect for the 2002 classic and its fans. This blending of the old and the new strengthens the film's sense of 'ohana and legacy.

Tia Carrere and Amy Hill: The Original Voices Return

Both Tia Carrere and Amy Hill, who voiced Nani and Mrs. Hasagawa, respectively, in the original film, have been cast in new roles for the 2025 live-action version.

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• Tia Carrere: She will play a new character named Mrs. Kekoa, a community member who is likely a mentor or a figure of authority in Lilo’s life. Carrere is a Hawaiian actress and singer, and her inclusion is a beautiful acknowledgment of her original role as Nani.
• Amy Hill: She is confirmed to be playing Tūtū, a new character, though some sources suggest she may also be playing Mrs. Kekoa alongside Carrere. Hill is a prolific actress of Japanese and Finnish descent, known for her extensive work in film and television, often portraying maternal figures.

Hannah Waddingham's Mystery Role

The Emmy-winning actress Hannah Waddingham is also part of the star-studded cast, though her specific role has been kept under wraps by the studio. Given her powerful voice and commanding screen presence, speculation suggests she may be playing the Grand Councilwoman, the leader of the Galactic Federation who orders the capture of Stitch.

• Key Entities: Hannah Waddingham, Grand Councilwoman, Emmy Winner, *Ted Lasso*, Galactic Federation.

Why This Casting is a Win for Topical Authority and Authenticity

The casting process for the Lilo & Stitch live-action movie has been widely praised for its commitment to cultural authenticity, a critical factor for a story set so firmly in Hawaii. By casting Native Hawaiian and local Pacific Islander actors in the roles of Lilo, Nani, and David, Disney has demonstrated a dedication to honoring the setting and its people.

The selection of Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, and Kaipo Dudoit, all of whom have deep personal connections to the islands and their culture (including hula dancing), is not just about representation; it’s about infusing the film with a genuine understanding of the 'ohana values that the story champions. This intentional casting elevates the topical authority of the film, ensuring that the themes of community, displacement, and the true meaning of family resonate authentically with audiences worldwide.

The decision to bring back Chris Sanders to voice Stitch is the final, perfect piece of the puzzle. It grounds the alien element of the story in nostalgia and familiarity, while the new live-action cast breathes fresh, authentic life into the human side of the narrative. Fans can look forward to seeing this unique blend of talent when the film premieres in May 2025, promising a faithful yet fresh take on a modern Disney classic.

Final Confirmed Cast List (At a Glance)

• Lilo Pelekai: Maia Kealoha
• Stitch (Voice): Chris Sanders
• Nani Pelekai: Sydney Agudong
• David Kawena: Kaipo Dudoit
• Dr. Jumba Jookiba: Zach Galifianakis
• Agent Pleakley: Billy Magnussen
• Cobra Bubbles: Courtney B. Vance
• Mrs. Kekoa (New Role): Tia Carrere
• Tūtū (New Role): Amy Hill