Disney fans, it’s here! The studio just dropped the first full trailer for its live-action Lilo & Stitch, set to hit theaters May 23. After months of teasing Stitch’s antics, we’ve got a real look at this reimagined Hawaiian tale—and it’s newcomer Maia Kealoha, taking on the iconic role of Lilo Pelekai, who’s winning everyone over.
If you’re new to the story, Lilo & Stitch follows a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts Stitch, a blue alien experiment built for destruction, only to discover he’s the family she didn’t know she needed. The 2002 animated gem won hearts with its quirky humor, sci-fi flair, and a deep-rooted message about ‘ohana—family. Now, director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) is bringing it to life in live-action, and Kealoha is front and center.
Maia Kealoha, a young Hawaiian actress making her feature film debut, landed the role after a nationwide casting call. Cast at age seven, she’s already charming fans with her take on Lilo—full of spunk, heart, and that signature spark. The trailer shows her picking out Stitch at the shelter, swaying through a hula dance, and teaming up with big sister Nani (Sydney Agudong). Social media’s buzzing with love for her right now—folks can’t get enough of how she’s bringing Lilo to life.
Stitch, voiced again by Chris Sanders, is another crowd-pleaser—his CGI design is getting tons of praise for keeping that lovable chaos intact. The trailer’s packed with Hawaiian flair, from lush island scenes to Stitch’s wild antics, and it’s hitting all the right nostalgic notes. Add in a stacked cast—Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman—and this remake’s got a lot to cheer for.
Originally slated for Disney+, Lilo & Stitch is now headed for a big-screen debut on Memorial Day weekend, and the early excitement is palpable. At Trevor Decker News, we’re all in for Maia Kealoha’s star-making turn. Her Lilo looks like the heart of this remake, and we can’t wait to see her light up theaters. The trailer’s out today—don’t miss it!
