The Definitive 'Ohana: Meet The Full Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast For The 2025 Remake

The long-awaited Disney live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is officially crashing into theaters in 2025, and the excitement is building as fans prepare to revisit the emotional story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her alien "dog." As of December 18, 2025, the full cast has been confirmed, blending fresh, talented faces with veteran Hollywood stars and even an original voice actor, promising a faithful yet modern take on the beloved 2002 animated classic. This article dives deep into the confirmed actors, the iconic roles they will play, and everything you need to know about the new 'ohana.

The film, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (known for the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), is set to capture the heart and soul of the original, focusing on the themes of family, acceptance, and the true meaning of 'ohana. The casting choices have been met with enthusiasm, particularly for the key Hawaiian roles, ensuring cultural authenticity remains at the forefront of this highly anticipated Disney project. The official release date is set for May 23, 2025.

Meet the New 'Ohana: Full Cast and Character Profiles

The core of Lilo & Stitch rests on the relationship between Lilo, Nani, and the mischievous Experiment 626. Disney has carefully selected a cast that honors the film's Hawaiian roots while injecting new energy into the familiar characters. Here is the definitive list of the main cast members for the 2025 live-action remake:

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai: A newcomer to the screen, Maia Kealoha was cast in the titular role of Lilo, the eccentric and compassionate young girl who adopts Stitch. Her casting marks a commitment to finding authentic, local talent for the lead role.
• Chris Sanders as Stitch (Voice): In a move that delighted original film fans, Chris Sanders, the co-director and original voice of Experiment 626, is returning to voice Stitch. This ensures the alien's distinct vocalizations and personality remain consistent with the animated classic.
• Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai: Hailing from Kauaʻi, Sydney Agudong takes on the role of Nani, Lilo's older sister and guardian. Nani is a central figure, balancing the responsibilities of raising her sister with her own life, and Agudong brings an authentic Hawaiian background to the character.
• Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba: The comedic actor known for The Hangover will portray the large, four-eyed alien scientist who created Stitch, Dr. Jumba Jookiba. His casting suggests a blend of humor and eccentricity for the "evil genius".
• Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley: Known for roles in Aladdin and No Time to Die, Magnussen steps into the role of Pleakley, the one-eyed, cross-dressing alien agent sent to Earth to assist Jumba. His comedic timing is expected to bring a fresh take to the character's over-the-top personality.
• Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena: Kaipo Dudoit, another actor with Hawaiian ties, will play David Kawena, Nani's kind-hearted friend and love interest. David is known for his supportive nature and impressive fire-dancing skills.
• Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles (The Social Worker): The veteran actor is confirmed to play a social worker, a role that serves as the human antagonist, threatening to separate Lilo and Nani. While the character's name is not explicitly confirmed as Cobra Bubbles in all reports, the role is functionally the same.
• Amy Hill as Tūtū: Amy Hill, who voiced the character of Mrs. Hasagawa in the original film, is returning to play a new character named Tūtū, which is the Hawaiian word for grandmother or elder. Her involvement further connects the remake to the original's legacy.
• Tia Carrere in a New Role: Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani in the 2002 film, is also returning to the live-action project in a new, undisclosed role. This is a common practice in Disney remakes to honor the original cast.
• Hannah Waddingham in an Undisclosed Role: The Emmy-winning actress from Ted Lasso has also joined the cast in a currently unconfirmed role, leading to widespread speculation among fans about whether she will play the Grand Councilwoman or a new human character.

Why the Cast Choices Are Generating Buzz and Topical Authority

The casting process for the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake has been notably different from some other Disney remakes, prioritizing authenticity and honoring the film's unique setting on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii. This commitment to cultural specificity is a major reason for the positive reception of the cast announcements.

The Importance of Hawaiian and Polynesian Representation

The selection of Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong, both of whom have strong connections to Hawaii, is a crucial element that provides the film with significant topical authority in the space of Polynesian representation.

• Authenticity in Casting: By casting local and native Hawaiian actors in the main human roles, Disney is attempting to avoid the criticisms faced by previous films for cultural misrepresentation. This decision grounds the film's core theme of 'ohana (family) in a genuine cultural context.
• A Star is Born: Maia Kealoha's debut as Lilo is particularly exciting. The role requires a unique blend of vulnerability, resilience, and quirky charm, and her performance will be under intense scrutiny as she brings the beloved character to life.
• The Return of Chris Sanders: Securing Chris Sanders to voice Stitch is perhaps the most critical casting decision. Stitch is not just a CGI creature; his voice is integral to his personality, and Sanders’ return guarantees that the alien's iconic squeaks, growls, and broken English will sound exactly as fans remember.

The blend of new talent like Kealoha and Dudoit with established, high-profile actors like Zach Galifianakis and Hannah Waddingham creates a cast that appeals to both nostalgic fans and a new, broader audience. The film is positioned to be a major theatrical event in 2025.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Key Production Details and What to Expect in May 2025

While the focus is often on the cast, the production details confirm that the Lilo & Stitch live-action film is a major undertaking for Disney, blending live-action filming with cutting-edge CGI technology for Stitch and the other alien characters (Jumba and Pleakley).

Director and Creative Vision

Dean Fleischer Camp's involvement signals a potentially nuanced and emotionally resonant film. His previous work demonstrates a strong ability to blend whimsical fantasy with deeply human themes, which is exactly what the story of Lilo and Stitch requires. The production is aiming to maintain the small-town, personal feel of the original, despite the massive scale of a modern Disney blockbuster.

The Theatrical Release Date

The film is currently slated for a major theatrical release on May 23, 2025. This prime summer release slot is a strong indication of Disney's confidence in the film’s box office potential. Early screenings and a premiere event are expected to take place in mid-May, potentially starting on May 17, 2025.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Speculation on the Plot and New Characters

Fans are eagerly speculating about how the remake will handle certain aspects of the original film, particularly the more intense moments and the introduction of new characters like Tūtū. The inclusion of new roles for original cast members like Tia Carrere and new additions like Hannah Waddingham suggests that the script will expand on the original narrative, adding layers of depth and new plot points while still retaining the core message of 'ohana. The balance between faithful adaptation and fresh storytelling will be the ultimate test for the 2025 remake.

The finalized cast for Lilo & Stitch is a promising mix of heritage, star power, and nostalgia. With a release date locked in for 2025, the new 'ohana is ready to take audiences on an emotional and chaotic Hawaiian adventure.