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NEED TO KNOW
- Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch hit theaters on May 23
- Newcomer Maia Kealoha plays Lilo
- Several original cast members returned, including Chris Sanders, the voice of Stitch
Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch is now in theaters.
On May 23, the highly-anticipated adaptation of the 2002 animated classic made its debut. Like the original, the new movie tells the story of a bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch — and includes tons of the iconic original moments beloved by fans.
Several cast members returned, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch. Newcomer Maia Kealoha, who took on the starring role of Lilo, joined the cast.
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.”
Here, see the cast of the live-action Lilo & Stitch side-by-side with the original animated characters.
Maia Kealoha as Lilo
Olivia Wong/FilmMagic ; AJ Pics / Alamy
In her debut role, Kealoha brings the titular character to life, portraying a spirited young girl raised by her sister, whose struggles with loneliness are overcome when she forms an unlikely friendship with Stitch.
When asked by PEOPLE how she relates to her on-screen character, Kealoha shared that they both “really love crafts.”
“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 told E! News in November 2024 that “the hammock scene” was her favorite moment to film.
“It’s so touching and sad at the same time,” Kealoha said.
Chris Sanders as Stitch
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ; Photo 12 / Alamy
Sanders reprised his role as the voice of Stitch (also known as Experiment 626), the genetically-engineered blue alien who is adopted by Lilo and becomes her best friend.
The voice actor began his career as a character designer for Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies. He created Stitch in 1985 for a children’s book pitch that wasn’t accepted at the time. After working on a number of movies — including Mulan — 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 & Stitch was born, as he wrote in his bio.
Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the 2002 film Lilo & Stitch alongside Dean DeBlois. He also voiced Stitch in the original film and the sequels that followed, including 2005’s Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch and 2006’s Leroy & Stitch.
When it came to the live-action adaptation, Sanders shared his thoughts with SYFY WIRE in 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.”
Sydney Agudong as Nani
Albert L. Ortega/Getty ; Moviestore/Shutterstock
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 on Instagram in August 2024.
Before joining the cast, Agudong had a guest role on NCIS and pursued a music career under the name Jayne Doe, releasing her first song, “Welcome to Hollywood,” in January 2022.
Billy Magnussen as Pleakley
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Billy Magnussen joins 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.
When asked by MovieWeb in August 2024 what drew him to the franchise, Magnussen said that he craved “community” and “family” and wanted to go into a job with “people I care about.”
“Lilo & Stitch is 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’s Game Night and the 2019 live-action adaptation of Aladdin.
Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba
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Zach Galifianakis stars as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the evil genius scientist who created Stitch to cause chaos across the galaxy.
The Emmy winner is most known for his role as Alan in The Hangover trilogy, though he has had recurring roles in many shows, including Only Murders in the Building, Bob’s Burgers and Big Mouth.
Amy Hill as Tutu
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Although she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the original Lilo & Stitch movie and subsequent 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 series All-American Girl and 2003’s The Cat in the Hat. Over the years, she has also had numerous recurring roles in hit shows such as Seinfeld, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, UnREAL and Magnum P.I.
Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena
Kaipo Dudoit/ Instagram ; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Kaipo Dudoit plays David Kawena, Nani’s love interest and Tutu’s grandson.
Prior to joining the Lilo & Stitch franchise, Dudoit had a guest appearance in Magnum P.I. and starred in 2023’s My Partner.
Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; AJ Pics / Alamy
Courtney B. Vance will portray Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent who becomes Lilo’s social worker.
Vance is most known for his roles in 1990’s The Hunt for Red October, 1993’s The Adventures of Huck Finn and 1996’s The Preacher’s Wife.
He has also had many television appearances, including in NBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent and FX’s The People vs. OJ Simpson: An American Crime Story.
Hannah Waddingham as Grand Councilwoman
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Hannah Waddingham stars as the 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.
The Emmy award winner is most known for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso. She has also starred in Netflix’s Sex Education and 2024’s The Fall Guy.
