Disney's live-action remake of the beloved animated classic "Lilo & Stitch" has generated significant buzz following the release of its first trailer on March 12, 2025, captivating fans and raising discussions around representation.
The nearly two-and-a-half minute trailer showcases many scenes reminiscent of the original 2002 film. The story revolves around sisters Lilo and Nani, who unwittingly befriend the alien fugitive known as "Experiment 626" after his crash landing on Earth. Lilo, played by the talented 8-year-old Maia Kealoha, adopts 626 from an animal shelter—mistakenly believing he is just another dog, and gives him the name Stitch. Nani, depicted by actress Sydney Agudong, plays Lilo's older sister, taking care of her after the death of their parents.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the new footage, Agudong's casting attracted some criticism, reflecting broader concerns about representation among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Agudong's lighter skin tone compared to Nani's animated character led to discontent on social media. Some questioned whether Agudong, who hails from Kaua'i, has the necessary Hawaiian ancestry to accurately embody the character, as her background includes multiracial elements. Although NBC News reported her as "multiracial with Hawaiian ancestry," contradictions arose when certain social media users challenged this claim.
Following the trailer's release, the backlash surrounding Agudong's casting appeared to wane, with many fans expressing enthusiasm for the live-action adaptation. Enthusiastic comments flooded social media platforms, celebrating the new look at Lilo and Stitch's adventure. One user, @DrewDisneyDude, tweeted, "The live-action Lilo & Stitch genuinely looks phenomenal! THIS is how you tell a new version of a beloved story. 👏" Another fan, @BellaLoveNote, beamed, "Stitch just looks so real. I'm blown away, and Lilo looks adorable. Any movie set in Hawaii is always a happy time for me! I can't wait to see all the experiments!! Definitely one of my most anticipated of the year." Meanwhile, @BorkEternal echoed, "I think we can all admit live action Lilo & Stitch does look like fun."
Nonetheless, as the excitement increased, so did the legs of the casting controversy, with some users pointing out Agudong's lighter complexion as problematic. A tweet from @thebeldamm expressed concern over casting choices, stating, "The actress for Lilo is so perfect, but they got this white woman playing Nani." Others, like @AlejandroThatch, raised comparisons to previous Disney remakes featuring diverse casting decisions, noting, "SO white people get mad with Disney when Ariel was played by a Black woman and Snow White was played by a Latina woman, BUT they are completely FINE with a white woman in a horrible tan playing Nani in Lilo & Stitch when Nani is an Indigenous young woman 🤨."
Despite these critiques, general enthusiasm continues to build as the film's scheduled theater release approaches on May 23, 2025. Fans are eagerly crossing their fingers for this newest installment from Disney's animated legacy to become the much-loved live-action interpretation they hope for.
Disney's ability to balance nostalgic storytelling with contemporary sensibilities remains to be seen, but they find themselves at the intersection of cultural expectations and commercial anticipation. With the upcoming release, discussions surrounding representation and character authenticity will likely persist, as audiences reflect on what it means for an actress to truly embody the spirit of beloved characters steeped deep within specific cultural identities.