The Confirmed Cast Of Disney's Live-Action Lilo & Stitch: Everything You Need To Know In 2024

The "Ohana" is officially back together. As of late 2024, the complete and confirmed cast for Disney's live-action adaptation of the beloved 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch, has been finalized, following a production schedule that saw filming wrap up in early 2024. This highly anticipated film is set to bring the magic of the Hawaiian Islands and the chaos of Experiment 626 to a new generation, with a carefully selected ensemble of established stars and promising newcomers, many with deep roots in Hawaii, ensuring the cultural authenticity of the story remains intact. This article provides the ultimate, up-to-date guide to the actors stepping into these iconic roles, from the title characters to the eccentric alien duo.

The announcement of the cast has generated significant buzz, not only for the fresh faces but also for the exciting return of original voice talent, creating a bridge between the classic film and its modern retelling. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is poised to be one of the biggest family film events of 2025, with its casting announcements being the biggest news of 2024. Get ready to meet the new Pelekai family and their extraterrestrial friends, ensuring you have the most current information available.

The Confirmed Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast List and Biographies

The production team has made a clear effort to cast actors who reflect the film's Hawaiian setting and themes of 'ohana (family), a decision that has been widely praised by fans. Here is the definitive list of the main actors and the characters they will portray in the live-action remake, which wrapped filming in March 2024.

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• Lilo Pelekai: Maia Kealoha

  Biography: Maia Kealoha is a newcomer to the acting world, a young Hawaiian actress who was selected for the coveted role of Lilo Pelekai, the spirited and quirky young girl who adopts Experiment 626. Her casting was a major announcement, emphasizing Disney's commitment to finding an authentic Hawaiian talent to lead the film. She was reportedly just seven years old when she began filming.

• Stitch (Voice): Chris Sanders

  Biography: In a move that delighted original fans, Chris Sanders, the co-director and original voice of Stitch, will reprise his role as the voice of the lovable but destructive alien Experiment 626. Sanders' return ensures that Stitch's iconic, unmistakable vocalizations and personality will remain consistent with the animated classic. This decision is a nod to the character's legacy and the original film's enduring popularity.

• Nani Pelekai: Sydney Agudong

  Biography: Sydney Elizabeth Agudong is an actress and singer from Kauaʻi, Hawaii, known for her roles in TV shows like On My Block. She steps into the role of Nani Pelekai, Lilo's older sister and guardian, who struggles to raise her sibling while dealing with the challenges of adulthood and social services. Agudong’s Hawaiian heritage was a key factor in her casting, bringing authenticity to the character who embodies the protective spirit of 'ohana.

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• Dr. Jumba Jookiba: Zach Galifianakis

  Biography: Zach Galifianakis, a comedian and actor famous for roles in The Hangover trilogy and Between Two Ferns, takes on the role of Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the self-proclaimed "evil genius" who created Stitch. His casting suggests a comedic, yet perhaps slightly more grounded, interpretation of the large, four-eyed alien scientist.

• Agent Pleakley: Billy Magnussen

  Biography: Billy Magnussen, known for his work in films like Aladdin (2019) and No Time to Die, is cast as Agent Pleakley, the one-eyed, three-legged alien agent of the Galactic Federation. The live-action version reportedly makes a significant change to the dynamic, portraying Jumba and Pleakley as a pair of human-sized alien agents, which has sparked much discussion among fans.

• David Kawena: Kaipo Dudoit

  Biography: Kaipo Dudoit is an actor who will play David Kawena, Nani's kind-hearted friend and love interest, a talented fire dancer who is a supportive figure to both Lilo and Nani. Like the other main cast members, Dudoit’s background is rooted in Hawaii, adding another layer of regional authenticity to the film.

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• Cobra Bubbles: Courtney B. Vance

  Biography: Courtney B. Vance, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor known for his serious dramatic roles in projects like The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, is cast as Cobra Bubbles. Cobra Bubbles is the imposing former CIA agent turned social worker assigned to monitor the Pelekai sisters.

• Mrs. Kekoa: Tia Carrere

  Biography: Tia Carrere, a Hawaiian actress who famously voiced Nani in the original animated film, returns to the franchise, but in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker. This casting is a delightful Easter egg for fans and shows the production’s respect for the original voice cast.

• Tūtū: Amy Hill

  Biography: Amy Hill, a veteran actress known for her supporting roles in many films and TV shows, is cast as Tūtū, a new character created for the live-action film. Tūtū is a local community member and friend of the Pelekai family. Hill also appeared in the original animated film as the voice of Mrs. Hasagawa.

• New Character: Hannah Waddingham

  Biography: Hannah Waddingham, a highly acclaimed actress known globally for her Emmy-winning role as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, has also been cast in an undisclosed new role. Her involvement is a major coup for the film, promising a powerful performance, likely as a key figure in the Galactic Federation or a new antagonist.

The Importance of Cultural Authenticity in Casting

One of the most significant aspects of the live-action Lilo & Stitch project is its commitment to cultural fidelity. Disney faced criticism with previous live-action remakes for not always prioritizing actors from the original story's cultural background. However, for Lilo & Stitch, the casting decisions for the core Hawaiian characters—Lilo, Nani, and David—were intentionally focused on finding actors of Polynesian descent, particularly those with ties to Hawaii.

The selection of newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as Nani, both of whom are from Hawaii, underscores the filmmakers' dedication to honoring the spirit and setting of the original story. This commitment goes beyond simple representation; it ensures that the nuances of Hawaiian culture, the concept of 'ohana, and the unique setting of Kauaʻi are portrayed with respect and genuine understanding. This approach is vital for a film where the sense of place is as important as the characters themselves.

Behind the Scenes: Director, Production Status, and Release Date

While the focus remains on the incredible cast, the creative team behind the camera is equally important for bringing this ambitious project to life. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, whose background in independent film and stop-motion animation suggests a unique, heartfelt, and visually imaginative approach to the material.

The script was penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, another key figure with Hawaiian heritage, further cementing the film's commitment to cultural authenticity. The production faced a temporary halt due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, but filming successfully resumed in February 2024 and officially wrapped in March 2024, confirming that the movie is now in the post-production phase.

Although the cast was finalized and the production completed in 2024, the official theatrical release date for the live-action Lilo & Stitch is currently set for May 23, 2025. The film is expected to be a major summer release, bringing the story of an alien experiment finding a home with a loving family to the big screen. The combination of a culturally sensitive cast, an acclaimed director, and the return of the original voice of Stitch has set the stage for a truly special cinematic event that fans are eagerly anticipating.