Lilo & Stitch: Live Action Controversy
The live-action Lilo & Stitch is set to be released on May 23rd, 2025, and has already stirred up a ton of controversy. The main issue that has arisen from Disney fans is about the casting of Nani, Lilo’s older sister. Specifically, people in the Native Hawaiian community, along with many others, were hoping for an actress who reflects the island’s Indigenous population. Sydney Agudong, who is playing the role of Nani, is a light-skinned Filipino American, and people are finding this problematic, as they say that Disney is whitewashing the character. This choice has been compared to when Naomi Scott was cast as Jasmine in the live-action Aladdin, who is of mixed Indian and English descent.
In the movie, Nani’s Native Hawaiian descent is very important because of some of her personality traits and plot points in the movie. She struggles with overtourism in her homeland, and she also sings a Native Hawaiian song, “Aloha ‘Oe.” The song was written by Queen Liliuokalani, the final monarch of Hawaii before being overthrown.
Having Native Hawaiians, the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Islands, cast in the movie is significant for the community. People hope to look at the screen and see someone who looks just like them. The original movie was already big for the community, and people were hoping for a live-action remake that was accurate, or at least close. The community is also underrepresented in Hollywood, and the chance to be cast in a big film would have given people many new opportunities.
Another issue that has caused some controversy is the way Jumba Jookiba and Pleakley are being played as humans instead of the expected disguises. In the animated film, the two characters are aliens dressed up in terrible human disguises. Now, they have technology that makes them look like they’re human counterparts. It is believed that the disguises were removed because of budget limitations.
Casting and the way the movie looks are always elements that will spark controversy, like with the live-action Snow White. Despite all this, the trailer won over many fans, who were a bit hesitant about the casting and CGI. The movie is said to do very well, with the Disney studio projecting to make over 100M during its 3-day opening, and is said to be one of the biggest movies that will kick off the summer.