The Full Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast Revealed: 10 Stars Bringing Ohana To Life (Release Date & Controversies)
The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved 2002 classic, *Lilo & Stitch*, is finally here, and the full cast list is a perfect blend of fresh talent and nostalgic fan favorites. As of December 23, 2025, the film is set for a major theatrical release, promising to bring the magic of the Hawaiian islands and the heartwarming message of 'ohana' to a new generation. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film has generated immense buzz, particularly for its commitment to casting Native Hawaiian actors in the core roles of Lilo and Nani, ensuring an authentic cultural representation that fans have been hoping for.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every major star, from the breakout child actress playing Lilo to the returning original voice actors and the controversy surrounding some of the creative decisions. The movie, which premiered in Los Angeles on May 17, 2025, before its wide release on May 23, 2025, has an ensemble cast that is both surprising and perfectly suited for the roles.
Complete Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast: The Stars and Their Iconic Roles
The core cast of the 2025 live-action *Lilo & Stitch* features a mix of newcomers and established Hollywood veterans, all tasked with bringing the iconic characters from the animated film to life. Here is the full breakdown of the confirmed cast and their biographies, highlighting their most notable work before joining the ohana.
- Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai: A Hawaiian child actress making her feature film debut. Kealoha was born in December 2016 and raised on the Big Island of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Her casting was a major win for fans, as it fulfills the desire for a young, local actress to portray the main character, Lilo, who finds and adopts the alien Experiment 626.
- Chris Sanders as Stitch (Voice): Reprising his role from the original 2002 animated film, Sanders returns to voice the lovable, chaotic alien, Experiment 626. Sanders is also known for co-directing and co-writing the original movie, and his return is a huge nod to the franchise's legacy.
- Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai: A Hawaiian actress, singer, and professional songwriter born in November 2000. Agudong is best known for her roles in the Netflix series *On My Block* and *Infamously in Love*. Her casting as Lilo's older sister Nani, the struggling guardian, was a critical piece of the film's authentic representation efforts.
- Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba: The Emmy winner and comedic actor, famous for his role as Alan Garner in *The Hangover* film series, takes on the role of the eccentric, evil-genius alien scientist who created Stitch. Galifianakis's involvement promises a unique comedic take on the character.
- Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley: Known for his roles in major films like Disney's *Aladdin* (2019), *Game Night*, and the James Bond film *No Time to Die*. Magnussen plays the one-eyed, bureaucratic alien agent of the Galactic Federation, Jumba's reluctant partner.
- Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena: An Oʻahu-based Hawaiian actor, model, musician, and hula dancer. Dudoit steps into the role of Nani's kind, supportive love interest, David, a character known for his chill island vibes and fire dancing skills.
- Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles: An Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor known for his work in *The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story* and *Lovecraft Country*. Vance plays Cobra Bubbles, the imposing but ultimately well-meaning former CIA agent turned social worker assigned to Lilo and Nani's case.
- Hannah Waddingham as The Grand Councilwoman (Voice): The Emmy-winning actress, best known as Rebecca Welton on the hit series *Ted Lasso*, voices the leader of the Galactic Federation. Her commanding presence and comedic timing make her a fitting choice for the high-ranking alien official.
- Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa: Carrere, who voiced Nani Pelekai in the original 2002 film, returns in a new, live-action role as Mrs. Kekoa, a local social worker. This casting choice provides a heartfelt link to the original movie while passing the torch to the new generation.
- Amy Hill as Tutu: Hill, who voiced a character in the original *Lilo & Stitch* franchise, returns to play Tutu, a new character who is a close friend or relative to Lilo and Nani. She is known for her roles in *50 First Dates* and *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend*.
The Ohana Legacy: Original Stars Return in New Roles
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the live-action remake is the inclusion of original voice actors, a clear sign of respect for the franchise's legacy. This creative decision not only provides a nostalgic connection for longtime fans but also adds a layer of topical authority to the production.
The return of Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch is arguably the most critical piece of casting. Stitch's unique vocalizations and personality are inseparable from Sanders's performance, ensuring that the alien's character remains true to the original, even in a CGI-heavy live-action format.
The decision to bring back Tia Carrere (original Nani) and Amy Hill (original TV series voice actress) in new live-action roles—Mrs. Kekoa and Tutu, respectively—is a beautiful full-circle moment. Carrere, who is of Filipino, Chinese, and Hawaiian descent, has spoken about how meaningful it is to return to the *Lilo & Stitch* universe, this time as a live-action character who interacts directly with the new Nani, played by Sydney Agudong.
Behind the Scenes: Director, Release, and Key Controversies
The live-action remake is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who is best known for the critically acclaimed stop-motion film *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*. His background suggests a focus on heartfelt storytelling and quirky charm, which is perfect for the unique tone of *Lilo & Stitch*.
The Release Date and Theatrical Run
Originally rumored to be a Disney+ exclusive, the film received a major vote of confidence from the studio with a full theatrical release. The movie premiered on May 17, 2025, with a wide release following on May 23, 2025. This move positions the film as one of Disney's key tentpole releases for the year, signaling its importance to the studio's live-action slate.
Addressing Pleakley's Look and Other Fandom Concerns
Like many live-action remakes, the *Lilo & Stitch* adaptation faced minor "controversies" from the fandom, which director Dean Fleischer Camp openly addressed.
- Pleakley's Attire: A notable point of discussion was the character design for Agent Pleakley, specifically his famous penchant for disguising himself in a dress on Earth. Early concept art and reports suggested that Billy Magnussen's Pleakley might not wear a dress. Director Camp, however, clarified that while he was committed to honoring the spirit of the character, he wanted to ensure the portrayal was respectful and not reductive. He has insisted that the new film will maintain the character's unique personality and relationship with Jumba.
- Nani's Role and Career: Another fan concern stemmed from a simplified interpretation of plot details, suggesting Nani "abandons" Lilo to pursue her own dreams, which would contradict the original film's theme of Nani's sacrifice. Camp and the production team have worked to ensure the film maintains the core message that Nani's love and commitment to Lilo, their 'ohana, is the central emotional anchor of the story, even as she navigates her own struggles as a young guardian.
With its blend of new talent like Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong, the established comedic power of Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen, and the respected presence of veterans like Courtney B. Vance and Hannah Waddingham, the *Lilo & Stitch* live-action movie is poised to be a fresh, culturally resonant, and deeply nostalgic experience. The film's commitment to Hawaiian casting and the return of original voices confirms that the heart of 'ohana will remain intact for its big-screen debut.
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