Disney’s live-action adaptation of their 2002 animated film Lilo and Stitch has officially invaded theatres, smashing expectations with an impressive $341 million worldwide box office on its opening day alone.
If you managed to catch the film and want to learn more about its cast, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for our full casting breakdown!
Maia Kealoha as Lilo
8-year-old Maia Kealoha makes her acting debut in this movie, playing the role of the titular character Lilo, a boisterous little girl who takes in the alien Stitch as a pet. She is next set to star alongside Jason Momoa and Morena Baccarin in The Wrecking Crew, a family drama currently in production from director Angel Manuel Soto.
Chris Sanders as Stitch
Chris Sanders returns to play the role of Stitch, a role he originated nearly 20 years ago for the 2002 animated film. You might be surprised to learn that Sanders isn’t a professional voice actor – he’s better known as a filmmaker and animator, who not only created the original Lilo and Stitch, but also went on to work on huge films such as How To Train Your Dragon, The Croods, and The Wild Robot.
Sydney Agudong as Nani
Hawaiian actress Sydney Agudong plays Lilo’s older sister Nani, who struggles to care for her after their parents’ death. Prior to her Disney debut, Agudong was primarily known for appearing in TV movies such as Infamously in Love and At Her Feet.
Zach Galifianakis as Jumba
Actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis stars as Jumba, the mad alien scientist who created Stitch in the first place. Galifianakis is best known for starring in The Hangover trilogy as Alan, but has ventured into voice acting in recent years, playing Humpty Dumpty in Puss in Boots and The Joker in the Lego Batman movies.
Billy Magnussen as Pleakley
Billy Magnussen plays Pleakley, Jumba’s reluctant partner in crime who’s sent out to find and capture Stitch. Aside from being a screen actor, he’s also a Broadway actor, who was even nominated for a Tony award for his role in Vanya And Sonia And Marsha And Spike. Some roles you might have seen him in include Prince Anders from the live-action Aladdin, and the main villain from Spy Kids: Armaggeddon.
Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles
Actor Courtney B. Vance appears as Cobra Bubbles, a federal agent on the hunt for Stitch – a notable change from the original, where Bubbles was a social worker in charge of overseeing Nani and Lilo. Vance is mainly known for starring in TV dramas such as 61st Street, where he played Franklin Roberts; and Genius, where he played C.L. Franklin.
Kaipo Dudoit as David
Kaipo Dudoit plays David, Nani’s love interest who comes to take a liking to their family. Like his co-star Sydney Agudong, Kaipo Dudoit is also a relative newcomer to the blockbuster film industry. He previously played minor roles on TV shows such as Rescue: Hi-Surf and Magnum P.I.
If you like casting deep dives, check out our breakdown of the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
