The Full Cast Of Lilo & Stitch 2025: 10 Surprising Roles And The Controversies That Rocked Production
The highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney's beloved *Lilo & Stitch* is set for release on May 23, 2025, and the full cast list is finally confirmed. This new iteration, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, promises to bring the heartwarming story of 'ohana and Experiment 626 to life with a mix of fresh faces and established Hollywood veterans. The casting process, which focused on finding performers with deep ties to Hawaiian culture, has generated significant buzz, but also sparked some passionate debate among long-time fans of the 2002 animated classic.
The film is poised to be one of the biggest family features of 2025, offering a modern, visually stunning take on the tale of a lonely girl and her destructive, yet lovable, alien pet. Beyond the main roles, the cast includes some surprising choices for the Galactic Federation and a heartwarming return of original voice talent in new roles, solidifying the movie's connection to its roots.
The Complete Official Cast & Character Profiles (2025)
The new *Lilo & Stitch* movie features a carefully selected ensemble, blending rising stars from Hawaii with internationally recognized actors. Below is the definitive list of the main cast members, their roles, and a brief biography detailing their previous work.
- Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai
Biography: Maia Kealoha is a young, proud Hawaiian actress who makes her professional film debut in this massive Disney production. Born in 2016, she was selected for the role of Lilo Pelekai after an extensive search. Her background includes a deep connection to her culture, often sharing her passion for hula dancing, which brings an authentic spirit to the character known for her love of Elvis and Hawaiian traditions.
- Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai
Biography: Sydney Agudong is an American actress and singer, also hailing from Hawaii. She is known for her work in television, including roles on *NCIS* and the Netflix series *On My Block*, as well as the movie *Infamously in Love*. Her casting as Lilo’s older sister, Nani, who struggles to raise her sibling after their parents' death, was a major announcement, though it later became the subject of a significant fan controversy regarding colorism.
- Chris Sanders as Stitch (Voice)
Biography: In a move that delighted fans, Chris Sanders, the co-director and original voice of Experiment 626, returns to voice Stitch. Sanders is a veteran animator and filmmaker, also known for co-directing and co-writing the original *Lilo & Stitch* (2002) and *How to Train Your Dragon*. His return ensures the mischievous yet endearing voice of the blue alien remains authentic to the source material.
- Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba
Biography: A celebrated comedian and actor, Zach Galifianakis is best known for his iconic role as Alan Garner in *The Hangover* trilogy. His other notable works include the FX series *Baskets* and the films *Birdman* and *The Campaign*. Galifianakis brings his unique comedic timing and quirky energy to the role of the mad scientist, Dr. Jumba, the creator of Stitch.
- Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley
Biography: Billy Magnussen is a versatile actor with roles across film and television. His prominent credits include playing Prince Anders in the live-action *Aladdin*, a role in the James Bond film *No Time to Die*, and memorable performances in *Into the Woods*, *Bridge of Spies*, and *Game Night*. He will play the one-eyed Galactic Federation agent, Pleakley, Jumba’s reluctant partner in the mission to capture Stitch.
- Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles
Biography: Courtney B. Vance is a highly respected, award-winning actor of stage and screen. He is an Emmy Award winner for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in *American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson* and a Tony Award winner for his role in the play *Lucky Guy*. Vance takes on the role of Cobra Bubbles, the imposing social worker and former CIA agent responsible for Nani and Lilo's welfare.
- Hannah Waddingham as Grand Councilwoman (Voice)
Biography: Hannah Waddingham is an English actress and singer who gained international acclaim for her Emmy-winning role as Rebecca Welton on the hit series *Ted Lasso*. She is also known for her work on *Game of Thrones*. Waddingham lends her powerful voice and commanding presence to the Grand Councilwoman, the head of the Galactic Federation.
- Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena
Biography: Kaipo Dudoit is a young Hawaiian actor who steps into the role of David Kawena, Nani’s kind-hearted love interest and Lilo’s friend. David is known for his fire-dancing skills and unwavering support for the Pelekai sisters. Dudoit's casting, like the others, emphasizes Disney’s commitment to casting actors of Native Hawaiian and Polynesian descent.
- Amy Hill as Tūtū
Biography: Amy Hill is an accomplished actress who has a long history with the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise, having voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the original movie and subsequent series. In the live-action film, she plays the new character Tūtū, a friendly, supportive neighbor who is likely an expanded role reflecting the community's importance in Hawaiian culture.
- Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa
Biography: The return of Tia Carrere is a major highlight for fans. Carrere, who is of Filipino, Hawaiian, and other European descent, voiced the original Nani in the 2002 film. In the 2025 live-action version, she plays Mrs. Kekoa, a new, unspecified character, marking a full-circle moment for the actress and the franchise.
The Buzz and Controversies Surrounding the Live-Action Casting
The process of adapting a beloved animated film like *Lilo & Stitch* is always fraught with high expectations, and the live-action remake has been no exception. While the commitment to casting actors of Native Hawaiian and Polynesian heritage has been widely praised, the film has faced two primary points of contention: the casting of Nani and the recasting of Cobra Bubbles.
The Nani Pelekai Colorism Debate
The most vocal controversy centered on the casting of Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai. In the original 2002 animated film, Nani is visibly darker-skinned than her younger sister, Lilo. Fans argued that the casting of Agudong, who is lighter-skinned, was an example of colorism, a form of prejudice where lighter-skinned people of color are favored over those with darker skin.
Critics pointed out that the original film was a rare example of a Disney production featuring a dark-skinned lead character and sister duo, and the decision to cast a lighter-skinned actress for Nani was seen as a missed opportunity to honor that representation.
Disney and the filmmakers, however, have emphasized that both Maia Kealoha (Lilo) and Sydney Agudong (Nani) are proud Hawaiian women, and the core goal was to find talented performers who could embody the spirit of the Pelekai sisters and their deep connection to the 'ohana theme. The production has pushed back against claims of colorism, focusing instead on the cultural authenticity of the cast.
The Recasting of Cobra Bubbles
Another significant change that drew fan discussion was the recasting of the character Cobra Bubbles. In the original film, the voice of the imposing social worker was provided by Ving Rhames. For the live-action remake, the role was given to the Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance.
While Vance is an acclaimed performer with a formidable resume, some fans expressed disappointment that Rhames would not be reprising his role, especially considering that Chris Sanders is returning to voice Stitch. The recasting decision, while common in live-action remakes, sparked debate over which original voice actors should be guaranteed a return to their characters. Vance's casting, however, brings a new level of dramatic weight and authority to the character, who is a crucial figure in the Pelekai family's story.
What to Expect from the 2025 Live-Action Remake
The *Lilo & Stitch* live-action remake is set to be a major theatrical release on May 23, 2025, before eventually streaming on Disney+. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who is known for the critically acclaimed stop-motion film *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*. His involvement suggests the movie will maintain the blend of quirky humor and genuine heart that defined the original.
The core story remains the same: a young girl named Lilo, living on the island of Kauai, adopts a creature she believes to be a dog, unaware it is Experiment 626, a genetic experiment on the run from the Galactic Federation. The film will explore themes of family, acceptance, and the true meaning of 'ohana—that "no one gets left behind or forgotten."
The inclusion of original cast members like Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa and Amy Hill as Tūtū, along with the return of Chris Sanders as Stitch, serves as a powerful nod to the franchise's legacy. Coupled with the star power of Zach Galifianakis and Hannah Waddingham, the 2025 *Lilo & Stitch* is shaping up to be a fresh, culturally rich, and emotionally resonant adaptation that aims to capture the magic of the animated classic while introducing it to a new generation.
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