The Confirmed Cast Of Disney's Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Remake: Everything You Need To Know For May 2025

The highly anticipated live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved *Lilo & Stitch* is finally set to hit theaters, and as of December 2025, the full cast has been officially confirmed, bringing a mix of fresh Hawaiian talent and established Hollywood stars to the iconic roles. This update is crucial for fans eager to see how the magic of the 2002 animated classic will be translated into a live-action format, especially with the film scheduled for release on May 23, 2025. The casting process placed a significant emphasis on finding actors with deep ties to Hawaii and the Polynesian culture, ensuring the heart and spirit of the original story, centered on *‘ohana* (family), remains authentic. The project, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, promises to revisit the touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her adopted 'dog,' Experiment 626 (Stitch), an intergalactic fugitive. With a confirmed theatrical release date and a cast that is already generating buzz, this live-action adaptation is one of the most talked-about upcoming Disney remakes, and the details surrounding the cast's backgrounds and previous work provide a fascinating look at the new faces bringing this cherished tale to life.

The Confirmed Cast: Full Biography and Role Breakdown

The casting for the *Lilo & Stitch* live-action film has been meticulous, blending newcomers with veterans to create a dynamic ensemble. Here is a complete breakdown of the main cast members, their roles, and their professional backgrounds.

Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai

• Role: Lilo Pelekai, the spirited and quirky young girl from Kauai who adopts Stitch.
• Biography: Maia Kealoha is a young American child actress hailing from Hawaii. Born on December 14, 2016, she was just 5 years old when she was cast in the pivotal role following an open casting call. This marks her major feature film debut, instantly launching her into the global spotlight as the face of the remake.

Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai

• Role: Nani Pelekai, Lilo's older, fiercely protective sister and guardian.
• Biography: Sydney Elizabeth Agudong is an American actress, singer, and songwriter, born on November 13, 2000. Crucially, Agudong is a native of Hawai‘i, which was a key factor in her casting to ensure cultural authenticity for the character. She is known for her previous roles as Charlize in the comedy-drama television series *On My Block* and Jasmine in the film *West Michigan* (2020).

Chris Sanders as the Voice of Stitch (Experiment 626)

• Role: The voice of Stitch, the destructive yet lovable alien genetic experiment.
• Biography: Christopher Michael Sanders, born March 12, 1962, is an American filmmaker, animator, and voice actor. In a major win for fans, Sanders is reprising his role from the original 2002 animated film, which he also co-directed and co-created. His extensive career includes co-directing and writing *How to Train Your Dragon* and voicing characters in various Disney projects.

Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba

• Role: Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the eccentric, 'evil genius' alien scientist who created Experiment 626.
• Biography: Zach Galifianakis is a highly recognizable American actor, comedian, and writer, known for his unique comedic style. Born October 1, 1969, he is most famous for his role as Alan Garner in *The Hangover* film trilogy. His television work includes co-creating and starring in the dark comedy series *Baskets* and hosting the web series *Between Two Ferns*. He has also done voice work for animated films like *The Lego Batman Movie* and *Missing Link*.

Billy Magnussen as Pleakley

• Role: Pleakley, the one-eyed, cross-dressing alien agent from the Galactic Federation who partners with Jumba.
• Biography: William Gregory Magnussen, born April 20, 1985, is an American actor from Queens, New York. He is known for his diverse roles across film and Broadway, including his Tony-nominated performance in the play *Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike*. His notable film credits include *Into the Woods* (2014), *Game Night* (2018), and the live-action Disney remake *Aladdin* (2019), where he played Prince Anders.

Supporting Cast and Cultural Authenticity

The commitment to cultural authenticity extends beyond the main Pelekai sisters. The production has successfully brought back original cast members and introduced new talent with strong ties to the Hawaiian community. * Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena: Dudoit, a relative newcomer, takes on the role of David, Nani’s kind-hearted love interest and Lilo’s friend. * Amy Hill as Tūtū: Amy Hill, a veteran actress of Asian descent known for roles in *Magnum P.I.* and *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend*, will play a new character named Tūtū, a nod to the Hawaiian term for grandmother or older woman. * Hannah Waddingham and Courtney B. Vance: These acclaimed actors have also been cast in undisclosed roles, with Waddingham potentially playing the Grand Councilwoman and Vance possibly portraying Cobra Bubbles, though official confirmation on these specific roles is pending. * Tia Carrere: The original voice of Nani, Tia Carrere, was also present with the new cast at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, sparking excitement and speculation about a potential cameo or new role in the live-action film. This casting strategy, especially the selection of Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong, who are both from Hawaii, has been widely praised for prioritizing local talent and ensuring the film's setting on the island of Kauai feels genuine and respectful.

Director, Release Date, and Key Plot Changes

The live-action *Lilo & Stitch* is not simply a shot-for-shot recreation; it is a "reimagining" that will expand upon certain elements of the original story while maintaining its core themes of family and acceptance.

The Vision of Dean Fleischer Camp

The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who is best known for the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated stop-motion film *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*. His background in heartfelt, independent filmmaking suggests a nuanced approach to the Disney blockbuster, focusing on the emotional core of Lilo and Stitch's relationship. Camp and producer Jonathan Eirich have spoken about the challenges of adapting the story, particularly the CGI animation required for Stitch, while ensuring the Hawaiian setting and cultural elements are honored.

Anticipated Release Date

Fans should mark their calendars for May 23, 2025. This theatrical release date confirms that Disney is positioning the film as a major summer blockbuster, a clear indicator of the studio's confidence in the project. The release of the official trailer and promotional materials has intensified the anticipation for this late spring debut.

Major Storyline Adjustments

While the core plot—an alien fugitive (Stitch) crashes on Earth and is adopted by a lonely girl (Lilo), all while being pursued by the Galactic Federation—remains intact, the live-action version is introducing some notable changes to add depth and modernize the narrative. One of the most significant changes revolves around Nani's character. The new story reportedly introduces a new subplot where Nani is accepted to college but is hesitant to go because of her need to care for Lilo. This situation is further complicated by the threat of losing custody of Lilo, which is a key emotional driver in the original. The filmmakers have also hinted at a different third act, with director Dean Fleischer Camp defending a major change to the remake's ending that departs from the original's climax. These adjustments suggest a deeper exploration of the *‘ohana* dynamic and the challenges faced by a young woman like Nani trying to raise her sister in contemporary Oahu. The casting of experienced comedic actors like Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen as Jumba and Pleakley also suggests that the film will maintain the chaotic, funny energy of the original, even as it explores more serious themes. The combination of a strong, culturally resonant cast and a visionary director promises a fresh, yet faithful, take on the classic Disney tale.