Lilo & StitchIs Coming to Life! See the Cast of the Live-Action Movie Side-by-Side with the Animated Characters from the Original

Mar. 15, 2025

Maia Kealoha attends the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Moana 2” in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21, 2024 ; Lilo in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Photo:Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ; Maximum Film/ Alamy

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ; Maximum Film/ Alamy

Lilo & Stitchis coming to life!

The Disney live-action adaptation of the beloved 2002 animated classic — which grossed $273 million worldwide, perVulture— is set to premiere on May 23, 2025. Though some new characters will be introduced, the adaptation will mirror the original movie in telling the story of a bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch.

Several original cast members are returning, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch. Joining the cast is newcomer Maia Kealoha, who will take on the starring role of Lilo.

In June 2024, Kealoha spoke to PEOPLE about what it was like learning she was cast in the leading role, saying that her “jaw literally dropped” and she “couldn’t even believe it.”

“I rung my dad and I said, ‘I did it! I’m Lilo! I’m Lilo!’ And then they grabbed me and we jumped up and down. I was so excited!” she said.

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Maia Kealoha as Lilo

Maia Kealoha attends Gold House Hosts 2024 Inaugural Gold Gala at The Music Center on May 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California ; Lilo in ‘Leroy and Stitch’ (2006).Olivia Wong/FilmMagic ; AJ Pics / Alamy

Olivia Wong/FilmMagic ; AJ Pics / Alamy

“In terms of our rooms, she has a lot of toys in her room and I don’t really have toys,” she added. “I would say I’m a crafty girl.”

Though the actress remained tight-lipped on details of the movie to avoid potential spoilers, she toldE! Newsin November 2024 that “the hammock scene” was her favorite moment to film.

“It’s so touching and sad at the same time,” Kealoha said.

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Chris Sanders as Stitch

Jon Kopaloff/Getty ; Photo 12 / Alamy

The voice actor began his career as a character designer forJim Henson’sMuppet Babiesand created Stitch in 1985 for a children’s book pitch that wasn’t accepted at the time. After working on a number of movies, includingMulan, as a head storyboard artist for Disney, the head of feature animation asked Sanders if he had any stories he wanted to tell, and from there,Lilo & Stitchwas born, he wrote in hisbio.

Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the 2002 filmLilo & Stitchalongside Dean DeBlois. He also voiced Stitch in the original film and the sequels that followed, including 2005’sLilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitchand 2006’sLeroy & Stitch.

When it came to the live-action adaptation, Sanders shared his thoughts withSYFY WIREin September 2022, saying that he was “very curious” about how Stitch would be brought to life in the remake.

“I think the most obvious thing is Stitch has to be Stitch, visually [speaking],” Sanders said. “Details count … If he’s not the same shape, he’s not the same character … Staying true to his appearance will be critical.”

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Sydney Agudong as Nani

Sydney Agudong steps into the role of Nani, Lilo’s older sister and legal guardian.

“My heart is exploding! It’s happening!! We did it Hawaii!!! We’re going to be in theatres next summer!!!!!” she wrote onInstagramin August 2024.

Before joining the cast, Agudong had a guest role onNCISand pursued a music career under the name Jayne Doe, releasing her first song, “Welcome to Hollywood,” in January 2022.

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Billy Magnussen as Pleakley

Billy Magnussen attends the “Road House” UK Special Screening at The Curzon Mayfair on March 14, 2024 in London, England ; Pleakley in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Dave Benett/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy

Dave Benett/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy

Billy Magnussenjoins the cast as Pleakley, an alien from the planet of Plorgonar and a former member of the United Galactic Federation who acts as the organization’s expert on Earth.

“Lilo & Stitchis that gift,” he said, adding that he hopes it gives kids a “smile” and “memory” to share with their families.

Magnussen previously appeared in 2018’sGame Nightand the 2019 live-action adaptation ofAladdin.

05of 10Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba JookibaZach Galifianakis attends the “Winner” Premiere during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray on January 20, 2024 in Park City, Utah. ; Jumba Jookiba in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; Cinematic / AlamyZach Galifianakisstars as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the evil genius scientist who created Stitch to cause chaos across the galaxy.The Emmy award winner is most known for his role as Alan inThe Hangovertrilogy, and has had recurring roles in many shows, includingOnly Murders in the Building, Bob’s BurgersandBig Mouth.

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Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba

Zach Galifianakis attends the “Winner” Premiere during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray on January 20, 2024 in Park City, Utah. ; Jumba Jookiba in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; Cinematic / Alamy

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; Cinematic / Alamy

Zach Galifianakisstars as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the evil genius scientist who created Stitch to cause chaos across the galaxy.

The Emmy award winner is most known for his role as Alan inThe Hangovertrilogy, and has had recurring roles in many shows, includingOnly Murders in the Building, Bob’s BurgersandBig Mouth.

06of 10Amy Hill as TutuAmy Hill attends the Sunset On The Beach event celebrating the 10th season of “Hawaii Five-0” and season 2 of “Magnum P.I.” at Queen’s Surf Beach on September 19, 2019 in Waikiki, Hawaii.Darryl Oumi/GettyAlthough she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in theLilo & Stitchearly 2000s movie and subsequential series, Amy Hill joins the live-action cast as a new character, Tutu, Lilo and Nani’s longtime neighbor and David’s grandmother.The actress previously starred in the television seriesAll-American Girland 2003’sThe Cat in the Hat. Over the years, she has also had numerous recurring roles in hit shows such asSeinfeld,Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,UnREALandMagnum P.I.

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Amy Hill as Tutu

Amy Hill attends the Sunset On The Beach event celebrating the 10th season of “Hawaii Five-0” and season 2 of “Magnum P.I.” at Queen’s Surf Beach on September 19, 2019 in Waikiki, Hawaii.Darryl Oumi/Getty

Darryl Oumi/Getty

Although she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in theLilo & Stitchearly 2000s movie and subsequential series, Amy Hill joins the live-action cast as a new character, Tutu, Lilo and Nani’s longtime neighbor and David’s grandmother.

The actress previously starred in the television seriesAll-American Girland 2003’sThe Cat in the Hat. Over the years, she has also had numerous recurring roles in hit shows such asSeinfeld,Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,UnREALandMagnum P.I.

07of 10Kaipo Dudoit as David KawenaKaipo Dudoit ; David in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Kaipo Dudoit/ Instagram ; Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesKaipo Dudoit will play David Kawena, Nani’s love interest and Tutu’s grandson.Prior to joining theLilo & Stitchfranchise, Dudoit had a guest appearance inMagnum P.I.and starred in 2023’sMy Partner.

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Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena

Kaipo Dudoit ; David in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Kaipo Dudoit/ Instagram ; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Kaipo Dudoit/ Instagram ; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Kaipo Dudoit will play David Kawena, Nani’s love interest and Tutu’s grandson.

Prior to joining theLilo & Stitchfranchise, Dudoit had a guest appearance inMagnum P.I.and starred in 2023’sMy Partner.

08of 10Courtney B. Vance as Cobra BubblesCourtney B. Vance attends the 55th Annual NAACP Awards at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California ; Cobra Bubbles in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; AJ Pics / AlamyCourtney B. Vancewill portray Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent turned Lilo’s social worker.Vance is most known for his roles in 1990’sThe Hunt for Red October, 1993’sThe Adventures of Huck Finnand1996’sThe Preacher’s Wife.He has also had many television roles, includingNBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intentand FX’sThe People vs. OJ Simpson: An American Crime Story. As for his ongoing projects, Vance stars as Marshall Tryon in FX’sGrotesquerieand will play Zeus in season 2 ofPercy Jackson and the Olympians.

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Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles

Courtney B. Vance attends the 55th Annual NAACP Awards at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California ; Cobra Bubbles in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; AJ Pics / Alamy

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; AJ Pics / Alamy

Courtney B. Vancewill portray Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent turned Lilo’s social worker.

Vance is most known for his roles in 1990’sThe Hunt for Red October, 1993’sThe Adventures of Huck Finnand1996’sThe Preacher’s Wife.

He has also had many television roles, includingNBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intentand FX’sThe People vs. OJ Simpson: An American Crime Story. As for his ongoing projects, Vance stars as Marshall Tryon in FX’sGrotesquerieand will play Zeus in season 2 ofPercy Jackson and the Olympians.

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Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa

Tia Carrere attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.Sarah Morris/WireImage

Sarah Morris/WireImage

In a June 2022 interview withGood Morning America, Carrere reflected on the original film’s impact, saying it “made everyone realize how important it is to have these kinds of Indigenous stories.”

“Even though we might look different skin-wise from other people … there’s still a universal theme of love and family and togetherness against all odds,” she said.

Outside of the franchise, the actress has played roles in 1992’sWayne’s Worldand 1994’sTrue Lies.

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Hannah Waddingham as Grand Councilwoman

Hannah Waddingham attends The Olivier Awards 2024 at The Royal Albert Hall on April 14, 2024 in London, England ; Grand Councilwoman in ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002).Mike Marsland/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy

Mike Marsland/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy

Hannah Waddinghamstars as Grand Councilwoman, the head of the Galactic Federation who instructs Jumba and Pleakley to retrieve 626 at the start of the animated film only to later complete the mission herself.

source: people.com