Matt Kennedy /© Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection ; Photo 12 / Alamy Disney's live-actionLilo & Stitchhit theaters on May 23 Newcomer Maia Kealoha plays Lilo Several original cast members returned, including Chris Sanders, the voice of Stitch Disney's live-actionLilo & Stitchis now in theaters. On May 23, the highly-anticipated adaptation of the 2002 animated classic made its debut. Like the original, the new movie tells the story of a bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch — and includestons of the iconic original momentsbeloved by fans. Several cast members returned, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch. Newcomer Maia Kealoha, who took on the starring role of Lilo, joined the cast. In June 2024, Kealoha spoke to PEOPLE about what it was like learning she was cast in the leading role, saying that her "jaw literally dropped" and she "couldn't even believe it." Here, see the cast of the live-actionLilo & Stitchside-by-side with the original animated characters. Olivia Wong/FilmMagic ; AJ Pics / Alamy In her debut role, Kealoha brings the titular character to life, portraying a spirited young girl raised by her sister, whose struggles with loneliness are overcome when she forms an unlikely friendship with Stitch. When asked by PEOPLE how she relates to her on-screen character, Kealoha shared that they both "really love crafts." "In terms of our rooms, she has a lot of toys in her room and I don't really have toys," she added. "I would say I'm a crafty girl." Though the actress remained tight-lipped on details of the movie to avoid potential spoilers, she toldE! Newsin November 2024 that "the hammock scene" was her favorite moment to film. "It's so touching and sad at the same time," Kealoha said. Jon Kopaloff/Getty ; Photo 12 / Alamy Sanders reprised his role as the voice of Stitch (also known as Experiment 626), the genetically-engineered blue alien who is adopted by Lilo and becomes her best friend. The voice actor began his career as a character designer forJim Henson'sMuppet Babies. He created Stitch in 1985 for a children's book pitch that wasn't accepted at the time. After working on a number of movies — includingMulan —as a head storyboard artist for Disney, the head of feature animation asked Sanders if he had any stories he wanted to tell, and from there,Lilo & Stitchwas born, as he wrote in hisbio. Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the 2002 filmLilo & Stitchalongside Dean DeBlois. He also voiced Stitch in the original film and the sequels that followed, including 2005'sLilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitchand 2006'sLeroy & Stitch. When it came to the live-action adaptation, Sanders shared his thoughts withSYFY WIREin September 2022, saying that he was "very curious" about how Stitch would be brought to life in the remake. "I think the most obvious thing is Stitch has to be Stitch, visually [speaking]," Sanders said. "Details count ... If he's not the same shape, he's not the same character ... Staying true to his appearance will be critical." Albert L. Ortega/Getty ; Moviestore/Shutterstock Sydney Agudong steps into the role of Nani, Lilo's older sister and legal guardian. "My heart is exploding! It's happening!! We did it Hawaii!!! We're going to be in theatres next summer!!!!!" she wrote onInstagramin August 2024. Before joining the cast, Agudong had a guest role onNCISand pursued a music career under the name Jayne Doe, releasing her first song, "Welcome to Hollywood," in January 2022. Dave Benett/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy Billy Magnussenjoins the cast as Pleakley, an alien from the planet of Plorgonar and a former member of the United Galactic Federation who acts as the organization's expert on Earth. When asked byMovieWebin August 2024 what drew him to the franchise, Magnussen said that he craved "community" and "family" and wanted to go into a job with "people I care about." "Lilo & Stitchis that gift," he said, adding that he hopes it gives kids a "smile" and "memory" to share with their families. Magnussen previously appeared in 2018'sGame Nightand the 2019 live-action adaptation ofAladdin. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; Cinematic / Alamy Zach Galifianakisstars as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the evil genius scientist who created Stitch to cause chaos across the galaxy. TheEmmywinner is most known for his role as Alan inThe Hangovertrilogy, though he has had recurring roles in many shows, includingOnly Murders in the Building, Bob's BurgersandBig Mouth. Darryl Oumi/Getty Although she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the originalLilo & Stitchmovie and subsequent series, Amy Hill joins the live-action cast as a new character, Tutu, Lilo and Nani's longtime neighbor and David's grandmother. The actress previously starred in the television seriesAll-American Girland 2003'sThe Cat in the Hat. Over the years, she has also had numerous recurring roles in hit shows such asSeinfeld,Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,UnREALandMagnum P.I. Kaipo Dudoit/ Instagram ; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Kaipo Dudoit plays David Kawena, Nani's love interest and Tutu's grandson. Prior to joining theLilo & Stitchfranchise, Dudoit had a guest appearance inMagnum P.I.and starred in 2023'sMy Partner. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ; AJ Pics / Alamy Courtney B. Vancewill portray Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent who becomes Lilo's social worker. Vance is most known for his roles in 1990'sThe Hunt for Red October, 1993'sThe Adventures of Huck Finnand 1996'sThe Preacher's Wife. He has also had many television appearances, including in NBC'sLaw & Order: Criminal Intentand FX'sThe People vs. OJ Simpson: An American Crime Story. Mike Marsland/WireImage ; Cinematic / Alamy Hannah Waddinghamstars as the Grand Councilwoman, the head of the Galactic Federation who instructs Jumba and Pleakley to retrieve 626 at the start of the animated film — only to later complete the mission herself. The Emmy award winner is most known for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'sTed Lasso. She has also starred in Netflix'sSex Educationand 2024'sThe Fall Guy. Read the original article onPeople
