Disney has found its Lilo for the upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic, Lilo & Stitch. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that newcomer Maia Kealoha has been cast in the role of Lilo in what promises to be a major release on Disney+.
The live-action adaptation will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the filmmaker behind the indie darling and best animated feature Oscar nominee, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. While Disney declined to comment on the casting, fans of the 2002 original are already excited to see the Hawaii-centric story brought to life.
The heartwarming tale follows the bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who was genetically engineered to be a force of destruction. As nosy social workers and pursuing aliens threaten their newfound family, Lilo and Stitch join forces to overcome adversity. Zach Galifianakis joined the cast in February, and Stitch will be a CG creation in the live-action film.
The script for the live-action adaptation was penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, while the original animated feature was written and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. Although Lilo & Stitch was not an instant hit upon its release, it has since gained a dedicated fan base that has only grown over the years.
Producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback are overseeing the project, with Rideback’s Ryan Halprin serving as executive producer. Knight Edge Media was the first to break the news of Maia Kealoha’s casting.
Stay tuned for more updates on the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing Lilo and Stitch’s heartwarming story and the beautiful Hawaiian setting come to life on Disney+.
