Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Cast Guide: Meet the Characters Behind the New Film

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This weekend, “Lilo & Stitch,” Disney’s fresh take on a live-action reboot, is set to make a splash in cinemas. It has been 23 years since the initial 2002 animated film captivated audiences worldwide with its endearing blue alien Stitch and the nurturing young girl Lilo who cares for him, winning over countless hearts in the process.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the upcoming release of “Lilo & Stitch,” marking Disney’s latest venture into remaking their 2000s classics, following blockbusters like “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” and others. This revamped gem is poised to create a massive splash at the box office during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, outranking fellow new release “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Early predictions suggest that “Lilo & Stitch” could earn an impressive $150 million to $160 million domestically, along with approximately $125 million internationally. This would result in a staggering initial global total of $275 million to $285 million. With strong performances from previous movies like “Sinners” and “Final Destination Bloodlines,” “Lilo & Stitch” could propel the box office towards a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend.

In Disney’s reimagining, we find the story of Stitch, a blue creature from outer space who lands in Hawaii and is welcomed by Lilo and her elder sibling Nani. They band together to keep Stitch safe from extraterrestrials seeking to reclaim him, all while helping him grasp the concept of “ohana,” which represents family ties.

Here I’ve compiled a comparison of the real-life actors portraying characters from the new “Lilo & Stitch” and their animated versions. Let me walk you through it!

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how closely these talented individuals embody our beloved characters. Here’s a glimpse:

1. Lilo Pelekai, the spunky little girl with an unbreakable spirit, is played by Kumail Nanjiani in this live-action adaptation. In the original animated movie, she was voiced by Daveigh Chase.

2. Stitch, the mischievous yet lovable extraterrestrial, is now brought to life by Tessa Thompson, contrasting with the voice of Dee Bradley Baker in the classic version.

3. Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister who takes care of her, is portrayed by Zoomers’ very own Zoey Deutch, while she was voiced by Tia Carrere in the original film.

4. Cobra Bubbles, the social worker with a soft spot for Lilo and Stitch, is played by Dwayne Johnson. In the animated series, he was voiced by David Ogden Stiers.

I find it fascinating to see how these actors have breathed life into our cherished characters, making this reimagined “Lilo & Stitch” a must-watch for fans of the original!

    Lilo (Maia Kealoha)

    I’m stepping into an exciting new journey as I take on my first role in Disney’s live-action adaptation, portraying the spirited and optimistic young Hawaiian girl named Lilo. Just like the original character, I’ll be joined by my loving big sister Nani, and together we’ll embark on a heartwarming adventure with an adorable alien named Stitch who will become part of our family. The 8-year-old version of me shares striking similarities with the fun-loving Lilo from the 2002 movie, as beautifully voiced by Daveigh Chase.

    Stitch (Chris Sanders)

    In a fun twist, Chris Sanders, who was involved in creating and writing the original “Lilo & Stitch,” reprises his role by lending his voice to the endearing, blue alien character once more. Interestingly, the high-energy, computer-generated Stitch maintains a striking resemblance to his 2D animated self when compared to his live-action counterparts.

    Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong)

    24-year-old Sydney Elizabeth Agudong is taking on her most significant role in Hollywood as Lilo’s older sister, Nani. Prior to the film’s storyline, their parents pass away, making Nani Lilo’s legal guardian and caretaker. Sydney is the elder sibling of actress Siena Agudong, who has been seen in “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” “Resident Evil,” among others. Tia Carrere, who initially voiced Nani, reprises her role as a social worker in the upcoming film.

    David (Kaipo Dudoit)

    Kaipo Dudoit portrays Nani’s boyfriend, a character named David who is both a surfer and fire dancer. Originally, Kahiau Machado was cast for this role, but had to be recast due to the use of a racial slur. Interestingly, Jason Scott Lee, the original voice actor for this character, now plays a manager at a Hawaiian feast (lūʻau).

    Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis)

    In the initial stages, it was Jumba – a huge, four-eyed extraterrestrial – who concocted Stitch. Arriving on Earth with Agent Pleakley to retrieve Stitch, he eventually forged bonds with Lilo and her sister Nani. Initially, David Ogden Stiers provided his voice, but in the live-action adaptation, the role is assumed by Zach Galifianakis, well-known for his work in “The Hangover” series.

    Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen)

    Pleakley is often referred to as an alien “specialist” from another planet, tasked with locating Stitch alongside Dr. Jumba. This one-eyed creature from outer space is quite anxious and employs various disguises to fit in among humans. The part previously played by Kevin McDonald has now been assumed by Billy Magnussen, who is well-known for his roles in “Aladdin” and “Road House”.

    Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance)

    Courtney B. Vance portrays Cobra Bubbles, a character with a humorous moniker who functions as a federal agent pursuing Stitch. In the initial film, Bubbles served as Lilo’s social worker and warned her that he might place Lilo in foster care if Lilo’s older sister Nani failed to look after her appropriately. In this new adaptation, Bubbles assumes the role that Captain Gantu, a character with a head resembling a whale, originally held in the animated movie. Previously, Ving Rhames provided the voice for Cobra Bubbles in “Mission: Impossible.

    Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham)

    The Head of the Galactic Federation, often referred to as the Grand Councilwoman, is the one who commands Jumba and Pleakley to pursue Stitch. It’s interesting to note that the character of the gray alien was initially portrayed by Zoe Caldwell, but more recently, Hannah Waddingham from “Ted Lasso” lent her voice to the role.

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2025-05-24 02:51