Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Remake: Exciting New Addition Revealed

The Lilo & Stitch live-action remake has added another cast member from the original film. Among the returning actors are Chris Sanders, who will once again voice the adorable alien Stitch, and Tia Carrere, who previously portrayed Lilo's older sister Nani and now takes on the role of Mrs. Kekoa. This decision to include the original actors pays tribute to the cherished movie as it transitions into a live-action adaptation.

During an episode of the Kyle Meredith With... podcast, it was confirmed that Jason Scott Lee, who provided the voice for David, will also make an appearance in the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake. Lee shared that his role will be a brief appearance as a character from the original film, who will interact with the live-action version of David. You can read Lee's full comments below:

“I received a small and insignificant {part_placeholder_0}. They offered me a few minor opportunities, and without hesitation, I eagerly accepted. My only desire was to be involved in the project, so I agreed to a brief three-day appearance. It promises to be enjoyable as I portray the character of the enthusiastic Luau manager. I am excited to witness the young actor performing as David, the character I previously voiced. Additionally, I will have the pleasure of reuniting with Lilo and Nani, as well as the new actors who portray them. Overall, it will be a delightful experience.”

What We Know About The Live-Action Lilo & Stitch

Dean Fleischer Camp, the director of the Oscar-nominated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, is helming the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. The filming process began earlier this year in Hawaii, where videos from the set unveiled the placeholder for Stitch before the character is brought to life via CGI. In a departure from other high-profile Disney live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch will not see a theatrical release but instead will be exclusively available on Disney+.

Native Hawaiian actress Maia Kealoha has been cast as Lilo in her first-ever film role. Sydney Agudong, a relatively new actor with limited experience, including one episode of NCIS and two episodes of Netflix's On My Block, has been chosen to portray Nani. Courtney B. Vance has been selected to play the role of Cobra Bubbles, the social worker. As for the alien characters, Zach Galifianakis will portray Dr. Jumba, the eccentric scientist who created Stitch. Billy Magnussen has been cast as Agent Pleakley, tasked with supervising Jumba's mission to capture Stitch on Earth.

Despite the film not having been released yet, Disney has already faced criticism for some of the casting decisions in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. The choice of Agudong as Nani has sparked backlash on social media, with allegations of colorism due to her lighter skin tone compared to the original character. Additionally, Kaipo Dudoit will now be playing the role of David, as Kahiau Machado was replaced following the discovery of social media posts containing racial slurs. Only time will tell if the Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation can overcome these controversies and find success, particularly upon its release on Disney+.

Source: Kyle Meredith With...