Lilo & Stitch live-action cast: see the actors and their characters

The 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitchis coming to life with a new live-action adaptation from Disney. Directed by Dean Fleischer Campthe film promises to revisit Lilo and Stitch’s emotional journey, highlighting themes of family, friendship and belonging. The production brings back Chris Sanderscreator and original voice actor of Stitch, as well as introducing newcomer Maia Kealoha in the lead role.

Scheduled for release on May 22, 2025, the film will maintain the essence of the original, but will also include new characters to win over a new generation of fans.

Check out the cast side by side with their animated characters and learn more about the actors who will bring these icons to life.

1. Maia Kealoha as Lilo

Original character: Lilo is a Hawaiian girl who lives with her older sister, Nani. Her loneliness is filled by her friendship with Stitch, who she believes is a dog before discovering he is an alien.
About the actress: Maia Kealoha, 11, makes her acting debut as Lilo. Before being cast, Kealoha was known for participating in hula competitions in Hawaii. She said in interviews that her favorite scene in the film is the “hammock” scene, which she described as emotional.

2. Chris Sanders as Stitch

Original character: Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, is an alien created to cause destruction. He finds redemption by forming a friendship with Lilo.
About the actor: Chris Sanders, 62, is the creator and original voice actor of Stitch. He also co-directed the 2002 film. Sanders has had a long career at Disney, with work on Mulan and How to Train Your Dragon.

3. Sydney Agudong as Nani

Original character: Nani is Lilo’s older sister and her legal guardian. She struggles to balance her financial responsibilities while trying to keep her family together.
About the actress: Sydney Agudong, 23 years old, was born in Hawaii and has participated in productions such as NCIS and Magnum PI. In addition to acting, she has a musical career under the stage name Jayne Doe.

4. Billy Magnussen as Pleakley

Original character: Pleakley is an alien assigned by the Galactic Federation to help capture Stitch. He ends up becoming an ally of Lilo and Nani.
About the actor: Billy Magnussen, 39, is known for his roles in Aladdin (2019) and Game Night (2018). He also participated in series such as Made for Love and Maniac.

5. Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba

Original character: Jumba is the scientist responsible for creating Stitch. Initially a villain, he becomes part of Lilo and Nani’s family.
About the actor: Zach Galifianakis, 54, gained notoriety with the franchise If You Drink, Don’t Marry. He is also a voice actor in animations such as Puss in Boots: The Last Order and participated in series such as Basketball.

6. Amy Hill as Tutu

Original character: Tutu is a new character in the live-action, described as David’s grandmother and Lilo and Nani’s neighbor.
About the actress: Amy Hill, 70, is an actress and comedian with an extensive career in series such as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Magnum PI. She also voiced characters in animations such as Kung Fu Panda: Legends of the Dragon Warrior.

7. Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena

Original character: David is Nani’s love interest and close family friend, always willing to help Lilo and Stitch.
About the actor: Kaipo Dudoit, 30, is a Hawaiian actor who has appeared in series such as Magnum PI. He starred in the independent film My Partner in 2023.

8. Courtney B. Vance as Snake Bubbles

Original character: Cobra Bubbles is the social worker assigned to monitor Lilo and her sister, Nani.
About the actor: Courtney B. Vance, 64, is a veteran actor and has participated in productions such as The People vs. OJ Simpsonwhere he won an Emmy. He is also in the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympianswhere he plays Zeus.

9. Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa

Original character: Ms. Kekoa is a social worker, a role introduced in the live-action.
About the actress: Tia Carrere, 57, is known for her role in Wayne’s World and for dubbing Nani in the original 2002 film. She also participated in True Lies and several independent productions.

10. Hannah Waddingham as Grand Councilor

Original character: The Grand Councilor is the leader of the Galactic Federation, responsible for ordering Stitch’s capture.
About the actress: Hannah Waddingham, 50, gained global recognition for her performance in Ted Lassowhere he received Emmy awards. She also acted in Sex Education and in the film The Fall Guy.