CHAOTIC but adorable duo Lilo Pelekai and Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, will return to Philippine cinemas for the live-action adaptation of the beloved science fiction-comedy franchise “Lilo & Stitch.”
The 2025 “Lilo & Stitch” remake is expected to bring nostalgia to Filipino millennials and Gen Zs who grew up watching the animated version of the franchise, as it premieres in movie houses nationwide on Wednesday, May 21.
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, “Lilo & Stitch” stars newcomer Maia Kealoha, who will play the role of six-year-old Lilo, who befriends and adopts a “cute and fluffy” dog-like alien whom she later names Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders). She, however, is unaware of Stitch’s origin, including the fact that he is engineered to be a force of destruction and is being pursued by other aliens.
As he spends time with Lilo—creating silly chaos, as usual—Stitch later learns the idea of family and experiences unconditional love.
In a press statement, producer Jonathan Eirich admitted that finding an actress who would play Lilo in the live-action remake was their “biggest challenge.”
“We needed someone young who could realistically play a girl growing up in Hawai’i. Maia Kealoha blew us away with her energy, humor, and dramatic ability. She truly is Lilo,” he shared.
“Lilo & Stitch” is Kealoha’s big-screen debut. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the young star discussed how she relates to Lilo.
“She was very fun, we’re both Hawaiian. We love to dance Hula—that was my favorite scene. I have a lot of favorite scenes, too,” Kealoha said.
“She’s very crafty,” she continued. “I’m very crafty. Every time that my mom enters the room, she’s like, ‘What [are] these papers doing all over the place?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m trying to pick ’em up, but there’s too much falling out of my hands.'”
A Filipino touch
Aside from spreading the Hawaiian spirit, “Lilo & Stitch” will also feature the Filipino heritage of actress Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, who portrays Lilo’s older sister, Nani Pelekai.
Agudong was born and raised in Hawaii. According to reports, she is also of British, Irish, and Filipino descent.
In a live podcast during Kauai Comic Con 2024, the 24-year-old actress admitted that she is an “OG fan” of “Lilo & Stitch,” sharing that she even dressed up like Lilo in a county fair when she was one year old.
She also said that her role, Nani, was “the big sister she looked up to.”
“She honestly was someone I idolized and also was a little bit intimidated by,” Agudong recalled. “I think when I ended up getting the audition, I was kind of like, ‘No way I am going to get this. Whatever.” But I connected to the sister.”
Agudong has starred in several projects, including the 2022 film “Infamously in Love.” Apart from her acting chops, she is known as a musician who released her debut single, “Welcome to Hollywood,” in 2023.
Joining Kealoha, Sanders, and Agudong in the forthcoming movie are Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, Hannah Waddingham as Grand Councilwoman, Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, and Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.
The 2025 remake promises to capture the “emotional heartbeat” of the original 2002 animated film.
“‘Lilo & Stitch’ separates itself because it’s not about a princess or a faraway kingdom—it’s about feeling out of place and alone,” Eirich emphasized. “That unique bond between Lilo and Stitch is what connects deeply with audiences then and now.”
PH advance screening
Before its May 21 release in the country, several viewers, including celebrities and members of the press, were invited to an exclusive advance screening of the “Lilo & Stitch” remake at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Sunday, May 18.
Some guests came in their Hawaiian-inspired outfits, like dresses and shirts with a floral print.
Filipino families also enjoyed taking photos in front of life-sized, gigantic Stitch located at the mall’s Central Atrium and were treated to flavored shaved ice as a perfect refreshment for the hot season.
Those interested in watching “Lilo & Stitch” may now book their tickets via Disney+ PH’s website.
