Cinemaquem is Maia Kealoha, Live-Action star of Lilo & Stitch, Disney

Maia Kealha It’s Disney’s new face. Born and raised in Hawaii, the 7 -year -old child actress makes her debut in theaters playing Lyll In the live-action version of Lilo & Stitchwho arrived in Brazilian theaters on Thursday (22). The movie reimagine the 2002 animation, and tells the friendship story between a girl and an alien creature in a new format.

Selected in 2023 after an extensive test process, Kealha shares the cast with names like ZACH GALIFIANAKIS (Jumba), Chris Sanders (Stitch’s voice) and Sydney Agudong (Nani).

Where Maia Kealoha comes from

The actress was born in Big Islandin Hawaii, and is proud of its roots. On social networks, shares photos dancing Hula, enjoying natural landscapes and celebrating the Hawaiian culture. This connection was one of the reasons why she identified herself so much with her character.

“We have many similarities. Both we are from Hawaii,” he told People in May 2025.

The role was won at the age of five

Maia participated in an open hearing still to five years old. According to the director Dean Fleischer CampThe recording had already impressed – but it was in the face -to -face test that the choice was confirmed.

“When she entered the room for Callback, it was clear to all of us that she was the favorite. Unlike many children, she was the one who dragged her parents for the tests, not the other way around.”

When he received the news that he would play Lilo, the reaction was immediate:

“My jaw fell. I called my father and said, ‘I got it! I’m Lilo!’ We jumped and screamed for joy.

Similarities with Lilo

Kealha said she shares features with the main character, especially creativity.

“We both love to do manual work. In Lilo’s room there are many toys; in mine there are not so many, but I’m a very creative girl,” he said in 2024.

Favorite scenes and games on set

Among the most striking moments of the movie, the actress highlighted the scene in which Lilo discovers that he can use Stitch as a speakerreplacing the discourse.

Already the funniest part, she said, was a water war in a restaurant, where Stitch uses a water dispenser to soak it.

“Did you know that this scene was done in one take? Because when you wet, you need to dry all over again,” he explained.

Out of the cameras, the actress revealed one of her favorite pranks on the set: Plastic eyes paste in the director’s clothes without him noticing.

“I asked, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ And he glued his eyes on his butt. Sometimes he realized later, asking, ‘Did you put it on me?’

The colleague Sydney Agudong completed: “His wife thought then at home and asked, ‘What is that in your butt?'”

Red carpet debut

In May 2024, Maia made her first major public appearance node GOLD GALAevent that celebrates Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific personalities. She was the youngest host of the night and honored the firefighters who acted in the fires in Maui.

Divided the stage with Auli’i Cravalho (Moana’s voice) and Krystal Ka’aithen director of a White House initiative. For the occasion, he wore a look signed by the Hawaiian designer Kini Zamora (Project Runway).

DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE

Despite his young age, Kealoha already has a list of artists he dreams of opposite. Among the names cited are Olivia Rodrigo, Adam Sandler, Jenna Ortega and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“I would love to be in a movie with Jenna Ortega and Adam Sandler,” he told Uses today. “My favorite of his is Happy Gilmore. ”

Even before being 8 years old, she has already divided scenes with stars like Jason Momoa, Brunette baccarin and Dave Bautista in the movie The Wrecking Crewscheduled for 2025.