Sharing the screen with Stitch remains an exhilarating experience, then and now

Little Maia Kealoha couldn't contain her excitement when she heard she'd be playing Lilo in the live-action remake of "Lilo & Stitch."

"That sure was the first time I've ever been quiet!" she exclaimed, reminiscing about the video call with director Dean Fleischer Camp that secured her the role in 2023.

Maia, 8, is a devoted fan of the 2002 classic animated film about the lovable chaos-maker Stitch, who crash-lands in Hawaii and forms an unbreakable bond with a plucky young girl named Lilo. The movie, which grossed over $273 million (equivalent to approximately $484 million when adjusted for inflation) worldwide, was one of Disney's first non-romantic animated blockbusters, praised for its strong female characters and thoughtful portrayal of life in Hawaii.

"I've seen it a thousand times!" Maia, a native of Hawaii's Big Island, declared during a recent video call. "It's amazing!"

It's no surprise that the energetic blue dude Stitch is Maia's favorite character—in fact, he reminds her of her baby brother, Micah Kealoha.

"Sometimes, I feel like Nani when I've got to take the fall for my brother, or protect him," she shared, referring to Lilo's responsible older sister. "And sometimes, I have to teach him lessons and help him grow."

Interestingly, the live-action version marks Maia's screen acting debut, but several of her co-stars have a previous connection to the beloved franchise.

Chris Sanders, who directed and co-wrote the original animated film and originated Stitch's voice, reprises his role in Disney's remake. Tia Carrere, who played Nani in the original, returns in a new role as social worker Mrs. Kekoa.

Sanders confessed his pride in Stitch's enduring presence in the Disney universe: "It's a massive accomplishment for him to have made such an impact, especially since he's really a reflection of me," he said.

Carrere, now 58, was too old to play Nani in the live-action adaptation. So she sought a different role—as Tutu, a helpful neighbor who becomes a surrogate grandmother for Lilo and Nani. Despite being offered another character, Mrs. Kekoa, the filmmakers ultimately chose 72-year-old Amy Hill for the part.

However, Carrere was delighted when the filmmakers offered her the chance to play Mrs. Kekoa in the 2025 reboot.

"It's absolutely thrilling to see the fervor surrounding the remake's release," Carrere shared. "To be revisiting Stitch and his world is such an honor."

Things took a different turn for the film's lead character, Nani. In the new movie, Nani's backstory is greatly extended, introducing her journey as a former star student and athlete who had to put her dreams on hold to take care of Lilo. Sydney Agudong, 24, was cast as Nani, who grew up a fan of the original film, which she watched for the first time at the tender age of 1.

At first, Agudong struggled with finding her own take on the character, unsure how much to emulate Tia Carrere's performance and how much to establish her own version of Nani. A call with Carrere shortly after Agudong landed the role helped her find her way.

"She told me, 'You got the role because they saw something in you and trusted your instincts, so you need to trust yourself and have fun with it.' She reminded me that I, too, had dreams, and I hail from Hawaii," Agudong recalled, adding that Carrere had offered guidance as both a big sister and a fellow Hawaiian.

Nani's determination in the face of adversity was already relatable in the original film, but the live-action version magnifies her personal struggles.

"I imagined Nani as someone who constantly has her thoughts stuck in her throat," Agudong explained. "You can see she's fighting and treading water like a swan, but she's still trying to put on a smile for her sister."

Acting alongside CGI-generated Stitch proved to be an interesting experience for the actors. Filming with small Stitch stand-ins, such as tennis balls or people in gray suits, made for an interesting scene partner, according to Maia.

The live-action remake also delved deeper into Hawaiian culture, incorporating more elements such as Nani's ukulele-playing skills and love of surfing. Agudong took surfing lessons with local big-wave surfers, calling the opportunity a dream come true that felt like hanging out with family.

Ultimately, the actors agree that the remake strikes the right balance between honoring the original film and forging its own path.

"It's a lovely way to share warmth, love, aloha, and the sense of ohana, which are fundamental to Hawaii," Agudong said. "I'm excited for my community to see themselves in this story."

Carrere recalled the excitement over a "thick, brown Disney princess" when the original was released 23 years ago.

"Nani is strong, resilient, athletic, and confident," Carrere continued. "She's not delicate like other Disney heroines. Her character is something young girls can look up to."

Maia hopes the new version can inspire a new generation of girls, not just by helping them feel understood, but also by showcasing traits like fearlessness, strength of character, and a big heart.

"Lilo is fearless, confident, and has a huge heart," Maia grinned. "Just like us!"

References:1. Roxborough, Scott. "Wild Robot' and 'Lilo & Stitch: The Series' in Development at Disney+." The Hollywood Reporter, October 14, 2019, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/wild-robot-and-lilo-stitch-development-disney-1268566.2. Vicens, Emily. "Disney's Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Is a Culturally Insensitive Mess." Vice, May 26, 2023, https://www.vice.com/en/article/yzv7db/disneys-live-action-lilo-and-stitch-is-a-culturally-insensitive-mess.3. Beaven, Michelle. "Lilo & Stitch (2002) and Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005)." The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917. Kodansha, 2006, pp. 532-533.4. Friedman, Josh. "The New Adaptation of 'Lilo & Stitch' Takes a Leap Forward for Native Hawaiian Representation." The Washington Post, April 24, 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2023/04/24/lilo-stitch-dean-fleischer-camp/.

In the spirit of Hawaii's vibrant community, Maia Kealoha expressed her excitement about her role in the live-action remake of "Lilo & Stitch," revealing her passion for both entertainment and movies-and-tv, remarking, "I've seen it a thousand times!"

Furthermore, hoping to inspire a new generation of girls, Maia, who identifies with both Lilo's fearlessness and her character's big heart, shared her aspiration for the remake to impart traits such as fearlessness, strength of character, and a generous spirit that resonate with her community and beyond.