At 7, the Hawaiian actress makes its debut in theaters as the protagonist of the new version of the classic animated, released in Brazil on May 22nd
Maia Kealha It’s Disney’s new face. Born and raised in Hawaii, the 7 -year -old actress 7 years ago her debut in cinemas playing Lyll In the live-action version of Lilo & Stitchwho arrived in the Brazilian theaters Thursday (22). The film reimmagina the 2002 animation and tells the story of friendship between a girl and an alien creature in a new format.
Selected in 2023 after a large test process, Kealha shares the cast with names such as Zach Galifianakis (Jumba), Chris Sanders (Stitch item) e Sydney Agudong (Nani).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olns1ij9-kk
Where Maia Kealoha comes from
The actress was born Big Islandin Hawaii and is proud of its roots. On social networks, he shares the photos that dance hula, enjoying natural landscapes and celebrating Hawaiian culture. This connection was one of the reasons why he identified himself so much with his character.
“We have many similarities. Both we are from Hawaii,” he said People In May 2025.
The role was won at the age of five
Maia participated in an open audition still five years. According to the director Dean Fleischer CampThe registration was already impressed, but it was in the facade test that the choice was confirmed.
“When he entered the room for callback, it was clear to all of us who was the favorite. Unlike many children, it was she who dragged her parents for the tests, not vice versa.”
When he received the news that he would play Lilo, the reaction was immediate:
“My jaw fell. I called my father and I said: ‘I took it! I’m Lilo!’ We jumped and shouted with joy.
Similarities with Lilo
Kealha said it shares the characteristics with the main character, in particular creativity.
“We both love to do a manual job. There are many toys in Lilo’s room; there are not so many in mine, but I am a very creative girl,” he said in 2024.
Favorite scenes and games on the set
Among the most surprising moments of the film, the actress highlighted the scene in which Lilo discovers that it can use the point as a speakerReplace the speech.
Already the funniest part, he said, was a water war in a restaurant, where Stitch uses a water distributor to immerse it.
“Did you know that this scene was made in an outlet? Why when you wet, you have to dry it again,” he explained.
From the cameras, the actress revealed one of her favorite jokes on the set: paste of plastic in the director’s clothes without realizing it.
“I asked, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ And he pulled his eyes on his butt.
The colleague Sydney Agudong completed: “His wife then thought at home and asked: ‘What’s in your butt?'”
Debut on the red carpet
In May 2024, Maia did it Maia First great public apparition node Golden galaEvent that celebrates Asian, native Hawaiian and Pacific personalities. It was the youngest guest of the night and the firefighters who played in the fires in Maui honored.
Divided the stage with Auli’i cravalho (Voice of Moana) e Krystal Ka’AiThen director of an initiative of the White House. For the occasion, he wore a look signed by the Hawaiian designer Kini Zamora (Runway project).
Dreams for the future
Despite his young age, Kealoha already has a list of artists who dreams of the contrary. Among the names mentioned there are Olivia Rodrigo, Adam Sandler, Jenna Ortega AND Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“I’d like to be in a movie with Jenna Ortega and Adam Sandler,” he said Uses Today. “My favorite is Felice Gilmore. ”
Even before he was 8 years old, he has already divided scenes with stars like Jason Momoa, Bucarin brunette AND Dave Bautista In the movie The demolition crewscheduled for 2025.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
