The Lilo & Stitch Cast: Where Are The Original Voice Actors Now, And Who Stars In Disney's 2025 Live-Action Remake?

The enduring magic of *Lilo & Stitch* continues to resonate with fans two decades after its 2002 debut, but the conversation is now dominated by the highly anticipated live-action remake. As of late 2024, the focus has shifted entirely to the new cast bringing the beloved Pelekai family and their alien companion to life, alongside the exciting return of several original stars in surprising new roles. This deep dive explores the careers of the original voice talents and introduces the new faces set to define the next era of this heartwarming Hawaiian story of *‘ohana*. The upcoming Disney live-action movie, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and scheduled for a 2025 release, promises a fresh yet faithful take on the classic tale. The casting choices have placed a strong emphasis on finding actors with deep connections to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, ensuring the heart of the story—the concept of family—remains intact.

The Original Lilo & Stitch Voice Cast: A Complete Biography List

The 2002 animated film *Lilo & Stitch* was praised for its unique blend of sci-fi action, family drama, and authentic Hawaiian setting. The voice actors provided a powerful foundation for the characters, many of whom continued their roles through the franchise's sequels and television series. Here is a look at the main original cast and their careers, including their most recent updates.

• Daveigh Chase (Voice of Lilo Pelekai):
  • Born: July 24, 1990 (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Notable Roles: Lilo Pelekai (*Lilo & Stitch* Franchise), Samara Morgan (*The Ring*), Chihiro Ogino (English voice in *Spirited Away*), Rhonda Volmer (*Big Love*).
  • Career Update: Chase is an established actress and voice artist. Her work on *The Ring* earned her the 2003 MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Her most recent lead film role was in the 2016 thriller *American Romance*.
• Chris Sanders (Voice of Stitch / Experiment 626):
  • Born: August 25, 1962 (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
  • Notable Roles: Stitch (*Lilo & Stitch* Franchise).
  • Career Update: Sanders is a highly successful filmmaker, writer, and director. Beyond voicing Stitch, he co-wrote and co-directed *Lilo & Stitch*, and later directed hits like *How to Train Your Dragon* (2010) and *The Croods* (2013). He is the only original main cast member confirmed to reprise his exact role, voicing Stitch in the 2025 live-action film.
• Tia Carrere (Voice of Nani Pelekai):
  • Born: January 2, 1967 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • Notable Roles: Nani Pelekai (*Lilo & Stitch* Franchise), Cassandra Wong (*Wayne's World*), Juno Skinner (*True Lies*), Queen Tyr'ahnee (*Duck Dodgers*).
  • Career Update: A celebrated actress and singer of Filipino, Spanish, and Hawaiian descent. Carrere has had a prolific career in film and television. In a wonderful nod to the original, she returns to the 2025 live-action cast in a brand-new role as Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker.
• David Ogden Stiers (Voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba):
  • Born: October 31, 1942 (Peoria, Illinois)
  • Notable Roles: Dr. Jumba Jookiba (*Lilo & Stitch* Franchise), Major Charles Emerson Winchester III (*M*A*S*H*), Cogsworth (*Beauty and the Beast*), Governor Ratcliffe (*Pocahontas*).
  • Career Update: Stiers was a legendary actor and voice artist. Sadly, he passed away on March 3, 2018, at the age of 75. His voice-over legacy, particularly as the "evil genius" Jumba, remains iconic.
• Kevin McDonald (Voice of Agent Wendy Pleakley):
  • Born: May 16, 1961 (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
  • Notable Roles: Agent Pleakley (*Lilo & Stitch* Franchise), Waffle (*Catscratch*), Almighty Tallest Purple (*Invader Zim*).
  • Career Update: McDonald is a Canadian actor, comedian, and writer, best known as a founding member of the comedy troupe *The Kids in the Hall*. He continues to have a strong career in voice acting and comedy.
• Ving Rhames (Voice of Cobra Bubbles):
  • Born: May 12, 1959 (New York City, New York)
  • Notable Roles: Cobra Bubbles (*Lilo & Stitch*), Luther Stickell (*Mission: Impossible* franchise), Marsellus Wallace (*Pulp Fiction*).
  • Career Update: Rhames is a major Hollywood star, known for his deep, commanding voice and dramatic roles. He continues to star in the *Mission: Impossible* series alongside Tom Cruise.

Meet the New Faces: Cast of the Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Film (2025)

The live-action remake has generated significant buzz, not only for the challenge of translating the animated world to reality but also for its commitment to casting Hawaiian and Polynesian actors in the lead roles. This approach is vital for maintaining the cultural authenticity that made the original film so special.

Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong: The New Pelekai Sisters

The casting of the two main characters, Lilo and Nani Pelekai, was arguably the most crucial decision. Disney selected two young, talented actresses with strong ties to Hawaii.

Lilo Pelekai – Maia Kealoha:

Newcomer Maia Kealoha, a young Hawaiian actress, was cast as the titular character, Lilo. This is Kealoha’s first major acting role, making her a true breakout star. Her selection was celebrated for bringing a fresh, authentic face to the role of the quirky, camera-loving girl who wishes for a friend. Her on-screen chemistry with Stitch is one of the most anticipated elements of the new film.

Nani Pelekai – Sydney Agudong:

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Sydney Agudong, an actress, singer, and songwriter born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i, takes on the role of Nani, Lilo's older sister and guardian. Agudong is known for her work in television and film, and her casting was particularly well-received for keeping the role within the local Hawaiian community. Her portrayal of Nani will explore the challenges of raising a younger sibling while navigating adult responsibilities, a central theme of the story.

Hollywood Stars and Returning Legends in Supporting Roles

The supporting cast for the live-action film blends major Hollywood comedic talent with respected actors from the original franchise, creating an exciting mix of old and new.

Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba:

Taking over the role of the "evil genius" Jumba Jookiba is comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis. Known for his roles in *The Hangover* trilogy and *Baskets*, Galifianakis brings a distinct, quirky comedic style that promises a unique interpretation of the four-eyed alien scientist, a role originally voiced by the late David Ogden Stiers.

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Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley:

The one-eyed alien Agent Pleakley, originally voiced by Kevin McDonald, will be played by Billy Magnussen. Magnussen is a versatile actor known for his roles in *Game Night* and *Aladdin*. The live-action adaptation is expected to portray Jumba and Pleakley as an alien duo who are somewhat undercover, rather than fully disguised.

Tia Carrere and Amy Hill: The Original Cast's New Roles

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Two key members of the original *Lilo & Stitch* family are returning in new, non-voice roles. Tia Carrere (the original Nani) will play Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker who interacts with the Pelekai family. Amy Hill, who voiced the character Mrs. Hasagawa in the animated series, returns to play Tūtū, a new character who is Lilo's foster mother. These casting decisions are a powerful signal of respect for the franchise's history and the importance of Hawaiian talent.

Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena:

The role of David Kawena, Nani’s kind-hearted love interest and Lilo’s friend, is filled by Kaipo Dudoit. Dudoit’s casting further reinforces the movie’s commitment to authentic representation, as David is a local surfer and a key part of the Pelekai sisters’ support system.

The Impact of the Live-Action Remake on Topical Authority

The transition from a beloved animated feature to a live-action film is a significant event that reshapes the topical authority of the *Lilo & Stitch* brand. The focus has moved from the original voice performances and animation style to the physical embodiment of the characters and the preservation of the story's cultural core. The 2025 movie is not just a simple remake; it’s an opportunity to update and deepen the themes of *‘ohana* (family) and belonging for a new generation. The decision to bring back Chris Sanders to voice Stitch and cast Tia Carrere in a new role ensures a direct link to the original creative spirit, while the casting of Kealoha and Agudong grounds the film in the authentic Hawaiian experience. This blend of nostalgia and fresh talent is the key to the film's anticipated success and its place in the modern Disney canon.

Other key entities in the live-action cast include Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles (replacing Ving Rhames) and Hannah Waddingham in an undisclosed role, further expanding the star power. The film's director, Dean Fleischer Camp, is known for his critically acclaimed work on *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*, suggesting the remake will possess a unique, heartfelt, and imaginative sensibility.

The release of the live-action *Lilo & Stitch* in 2025 is set to redefine the franchise, introducing the iconic characters—Lilo Pelekai, Nani Pelekai, Stitch, Jumba Jookiba, and Agent Pleakley—to a global audience through a new lens, while honoring the legacy built by the original voice actors over twenty years ago.