Learn More About the Characters & Cast of the New ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Movie!
It’s almost time for the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie to premiere! It’s releasing on May 23rd, and Disney is preparing by releasing new merchandise, sharing recipes, and more.
Photo: Disney
And now, Disney is sharing a look at its cast and characters so we can learn more before the film debuts!
Meet the Characters & Cast of Lilo & Stitch
Lilo Pelekai, played by Maia Kealoha
You probably know and love Lilo from the original animated film, but Disney is sharing a bit of a refresher! Lilo is a 6-year-old from Hawaii with a ton of energy who loves hula and the music of Elvis Presley.
She often acts out and gets into a little trouble, which leaves her feeling isolated from the kids her age. Stitch seemingly saves her from this loneliness by becoming her friend. But, beneath her rebel spirit, Lilo is a loving girl who cares about her family and wants nothing more than to belong.
Photo: Disney
The actress playing Lilo in the new movie is Maia Kealoha, who is making her onscreen debut! She relates to Lilo because she also has a love for hula dancing, music, and the ocean.
Kealoha hails from the Big Island of Hawaii, and has a deep connection to her culture!
Stitch, voiced by Chris Sanders
Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, is one of Jumba’s many outlawed genetic experiments. He’s short-tempered and a troublemaker, which is why he gets along so well with Lilo.
Stitch finds the meaning of “‘ohana” with the Pelekai family while he’s avoiding capture by the United Galactic Federation.
Photo: Disney
Voicing Stitch in the movie is Chris Sanders, who has been the voice of Stitch for over two decades, including in the original film (which he co-directed and co-wrote). But, he’s also worked on other Disney films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Mulan.
Nani Pelekai, played by Sydney Elizebeth Agudong
Nani Pelekai is Lilo’s older sister, who was once a straight-A student with dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Her whole life changed when she became Lilo’s guardian — she now had to balance school with the demands of raising and providing for her little sister.
Photo: Disney
Playing Nani in the new movie is Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, who was born and raised on the island of Kauai and pursued a career in entertainment after graduating high school. She has been cast as the lead in many projects, and has launched several of her own creative ventures—like serving as an executive producer on an upcoming independent film and writing music.
Mrs. Kekoa, played by Tia Carrere
Mrs. Kekoa is a new character in the upcoming live-action movie! She’s a social service worker who checks in on Nani and Lilo, sympathizing with Nani’s situation, but is unnerved by the lack of attention given to Lilo.
She does try to give Nani pointers on how to be a better role model to her sister while also holding her accountable when she messes up.
Photo: Disney
Playing the role of Mrs. Kekoa is Tia Carrere, who has had a well-established career, but is probably best know by Disney fans as being the original voice of Nani from the original animated Lilo & Stitch movie! She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was discovered at a grocery store.
She has brought her Hawaiian heritage to many of creative pursuits including her music career, for which she has won two Grammy Awards.
Grand Councilwoman, voiced by Hannah Waddingham
The Grand Councilwoman is the leader of the United Galactic Federation. She’s well-intentioned and reasonable, but firm in her desire to bring Stitch back to serve out the rest of his sentence. She also has no tolerance for lawbreakers and sends Jumba to Earth to find Stitch after he escapes, just like in the original movie.
Photo: IMDb
Voicing this role is Hannah Waddingham, who is a versatile stage, film, and television star, but is probably best known for her role in Ted Lasso.
Tūtũ, played by Amy Hill
Tūtũ is a warm, friendly member of Nani and Lilo’s community who is a constant presence throughout their lives. She knows the struggles that the sisters have faced and is similar to Mrs. Kekoa in this way.
Photo: Disney
She is also played by another member of the cast of the 2002 film — Amy Hill. In the original film, Hill voices a fruit vendor named Mrs. Hasagawa. She has also been involved with other Disney projects like Kim Possible, That’s So Raven, American Dragon: Jake Long, Spider-Man: Homecoming, black-ish, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D., and more!
David Kawena, played by Kaipot Dudoit
David Kawena is one of Nani’s coworkers at the hotel she works at and loves to go to the beach and surf when he’s not entertaining tourists with his Fire Knife Dance. He has a big crush on Nani and therefore has a soft spot for her little sister, Lilo, and their new “dog,” Stitch.
Photo: IMDb
Kaipot Dudoit plays David. He’s a Hawaiian actor and proud to be sharing his culture with audiences around the world through this new movie!
Cobra Bubbles, played by Courtney B. Vance
Cobra Bubbles appears to be a social worker assigned to the Pelekai family, but he’s got a secret — he’s actually an undercover CIA agent who has made contact with the United Galactic Federation.
Photo: IMDb
Bubbles is played by Courtney B. Vance, who’s also been involved with many other Disney projects. He’s been on ABC’s Scandal and Revenge, and he’ll soon play Zeus in the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+.
Pleakley, played by Billy Magnussen
Pleakley is an agent with the United Galactic Federation that’s full of enthusiasm and eccentricity! He joins Jumba on his mission to get Stitch back because he thinks he’s an expert on the planet Earth.
Photo: Disney
Pleakley is played by Billy Magnussen, who is an actor, writer, and producer who appeared in Disney’s Into the Woods and the live-action Aladdin.
Jumba, played by Zach Galifianakis
Jumba is the evil mastermind from the United Galactic Federation responsible for the creation of Stitch! He was arrested for his outlawed genetic experiments, but released on the condition that he would go to Earth to capture Stitch after he escaped.
Photo: IMDb
Zach Galifianakis is playing Jumba in the new movie, who has worked on other Disney projects like Only Murders in the Building, Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons, and The Muppets.
Stay tuned for more Disney news and updates!
