The cast of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch has found another major character for its cast. The film has found its version of Nani, Lilo’s sister, reported the Hollywood Reporter. On My Block actor Sydney Agudong has been picked for the role.
Newcomer Maia Kealoha will play Lilo, while Zach Galifianakis joined the team in February. Stitch will be a CGI in the final version. However, there has been no confirmation if any performer will provide the voice for Stitch, or even perform motion capture for him on set.
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Here’s how fans reacted to the news:
“Literally no one asked for a live action Lilo & Stitch the movies & shows are perfect. As a brown kid I didn’t have a lot of representation growing up and seeing Disney not cast brown actors to play Nani & Lilo is so hurtful. Disney do better!” a user said.
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I don't understand why some people are upset at a Hawaiian actress being cast as Nani? Is it because Sydney Agudong is a light skinned Hawaiian? That shouldn't matter. Remember, it's all about "ADAPTATION." Like Halle Bailey being cast as a brown skinned Ariel.🙂👍🏻 #LiloAndStitch https://t.co/IflkNmpTzu pic.twitter.com/PqcW6iSJrx
— Nerø's Final Crescendø (@legionofpandora) April 14, 2023
Although I do agree that she looks a lot like a real life version of Nani, her biggest issue is not being remotely Hawaiian. Sydney Agudong is at least a native Hawaiian. Although I think she would fit great, I think her not being a native Hawaiian would cause controversy. 😬
— Jonas_00_ (@MrJonas00) April 14, 2023
“i never felt so happy to be native until i watched lilo & stitch for the first time i stg…i connected SO much to nani and lilo the movie will always hold a special place in my heart,” another user wrote on Twitter.
it is fundamentally important to cast a native hawaiian who looks and plays the part of nani, not someone disconnected. while sydney agudong is a hawaiian native, she would not bring to the table any authenticity that someone darker would play.
— ☀️🪶 (@hashtali) April 14, 2023
Great casting choice. Congratulations to Sydney Agudong being cast as Nani in the live-action LILO & STITCH movie.
To all the racists out there upset. HA-HA! Remember, it's just a cartoon. It's not real. Nani doesn't exist. And neither doest Stitch.
It's about "ADAPTATION." 😏 https://t.co/pJTsrQR3bF
— Nerø's Final Crescendø (@legionofpandora) April 14, 2023
“The fake outrage over the Nani casting for the Lilo & Stitch live action is HILARIOUS! Lmao, nobody outside of twitter actually gives a shit,” one more user said.
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Dean Fleischer Camp is directing the remake which is likely to be a major release on Disney+. Camp is known for indie darling and best-animated feature Oscar nominee Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.
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The remake has been in the works for around five years now. Based on the 2002 animated film, tells the story of a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who was genetically engineered to be a force of destruction.
