Lilo and Stitch Cast: Original Voice Actors & 2025 Actors

Few animated duos have landed with quite the same emotional punch as Lilo and Stitch. More than two decades after the 2002 original introduced us to a lonely Hawaiian girl and her chaotic alien companion, Disney’s live-action remake is bringing the story back to theaters in 2025 — and with it, a fresh set of actors stepping into beloved roles alongside a few familiar voices. Here’s a fact-checked look at who played whom, then and now.

Original film release: 2002 · Live-action remake: 2025 · Original Lilo voice: Daveigh Chase · Stitch voice (both films): Chris Sanders · Live-action Lilo: Maia Kealoha

Lilo and Stitch Cast: 2002 Voice Actors vs. 2025 Live-Action Stars

The table below compares the original 2002 voice cast with the 2025 live-action performers, providing a side-by-side view of each character’s transition.

The pattern: one performer (Chris Sanders) bridges both eras, while every other role — including Lilo and Nani — recasts with live-action actors. Tia Carrere returns to the franchise in an undisclosed on-screen role, making her the only original cast member besides Sanders to appear in the 2025 version.

Who is the English voice actor for Stitch?

Chris Sanders, the Disney animator and director who co-created the character, voices Stitch in both the 2002 animated film and the 2025 live-action remake. His distinctive vocal performance — a mix of growls, squeaks, and half-formed words — has become as iconic as the character’s blue fur. Sanders first voiced Stitch in the 2002 original, where the character was introduced as Experiment 626, a genetically engineered alien designed for destruction. The voice was intentionally distorted and layered to create Stitch’s unique sound, a choice that Sanders has described as one of the most creatively freeing experiences of his career.

Sanders returns as Stitch in the 2025 live-action remake, extending a voice performance that now spans more than two decades, per the official Disney Movies page. His return provides continuity for fans who grew up with the original film, and his voice remains the emotional anchor of the character.

• Chris Sanders is a human voice actor, not a canine.
• He co-created Stitch alongside Dean DeBlois.
• Sanders also directed the original 2002 film.

Who voices Stitch in the 2025 live-action remake?

Chris Sanders reprises his role as Stitch in the 2025 live-action remake, maintaining the same voice that defined the character in 2002. This marks one of the few instances where a voice actor has returned for a live-action adaptation of an animated film, underscoring the importance of Stitch’s vocal identity to the character’s appeal. Sanders’s performance has been a constant through the franchise’s evolution, from the original film to sequels, television series, and now the live-action remake.

Who plays Lilo in the original film?

Daveigh Chase was the original voice of Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 animated film. At just 12 years old, Chase brought Lilo to life with a performance that balanced the character’s eccentricity, loneliness, and fierce loyalty. Her voice work was widely praised for capturing the emotional depth of a young girl grappling with the loss of her parents while caring for an alien who becomes her best friend.

Chase’s portrayal of Lilo was her breakout role, and she went on to voice the character in subsequent franchise installments, including Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch and the television series Lilo & Stitch: The Series. Her performance remains a touchstone for fans of the original film, and her interpretation of Lilo’s distinctive Hawaiian-inflected accent and quirky speech patterns set the standard for the character.

Who plays Lilo in the 2025 live-action film?

Maia Kealoha was cast as Lilo for the 2025 live-action remake. A young actress from Hawaii, Kealoha was selected from a nationwide search for a performer who could embody Lilo’s spirit, authenticity, and cultural roots. At the time of casting, Kealoha was 11 years old, making her age-appropriate for the role and ensuring that Lilo’s perspective remains that of a child navigating a complex world.

Kealoha’s casting was announced by Disney in early 2023, with the studio praising her natural charisma and connection to the Hawaiian culture that is central to the story. For Kealoha, the role marks her feature film debut, and she brings a fresh, grounded energy to Lilo that complements the CGI-rendered Stitch. Her performance in the remake has been noted for its emotional sincerity, particularly in scenes where Lilo and Stitch bond over their shared sense of being outsiders.

Is Stitch a girl or a boy?

Stitch is male. The character, also known as Experiment 626, is referred to with male pronouns throughout the 2002 film, the 2025 live-action remake, and all franchise media. This designation was established by creators Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, who conceived Stitch as a chaotic, mischievous, but ultimately lovable “boy” alien — a deliberate contrast to the typically feminine or gender-neutral alien designs common in children’s animation at the time.

In the 2002 original, Stitch’s male identity is reinforced through his interactions with Lilo, who frequently calls him “boy” and treats him like a younger brother. The character’s voice, provided by Sanders, also carries a masculine quality, with deeper growls and a boisterous energy that aligns with his male classification. The 2025 remake maintains this characterization, with Stitch remaining male and Sanders’s voice performance unchanged in gender presentation.

Stitch’s gender has been a point of curiosity for fans, particularly younger viewers, but the franchise has always been consistent on this front. He is a male character through and through — from his design (broad shoulders, stocky build) to his behavior (destructive tendencies that evolve into protective loyalty).

Is JLO the voice in Lilo and Stitch?

No, Jennifer Lopez is not in either the 2002 original or the 2025 live-action remake. This misconception likely stems from confusion with other animated films or from Lopez’s well-known association with Disney projects. Lopez voiced a character in Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) and has been attached to various animated projects over the years, but she has no role in either the 2002 original or the 2025 live-action remake.

The actual English voice cast for the 2002 film includes Daveigh Chase (Lilo), Chris Sanders (Stitch), Tia Carrere (Nani), and David Ogden Stiers (Jumba), among others — all confirmed by Wikipedia. The 2025 remake features Maia Kealoha (Lilo), Chris Sanders (Stitch), Sydney Agudong (Nani), and Zach Galifianakis (Jumba), per Disney Movies.

If you’re looking for Jennifer Lopez in a Disney animated film, her most notable voice role remains Shira in Ice Age: Continental Drift, a saber-toothed tiger who joins the herd. But she has never been part of the Lilo & Stitch franchise — and the 2025 remake, despite its star-studded cast, doesn’t change that.

Who else is in the Lilo & Stitch cast?

Beyond the lead characters, both films feature rich supporting casts that round out the world of Lilo & Stitch. In the 2002 original, Tia Carrere voiced Nani, Lilo’s older sister and guardian, bringing warmth and exasperation to a young woman trying to hold her family together. David Ogden Stiers, the late actor celebrated for M*A*S*H and countless Disney voice roles, voiced Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the brilliant but bumbling alien scientist. Kevin McDonald voiced Agent Pleakley, the one-eyed alien who serves as Jumba’s reluctant partner, and Ving Rhames voiced Cobra Bubbles, the no-nonsense social worker with a hidden past.

In the 2025 live-action remake, Sydney Agudong takes over as Nani, bringing a grounded, protective energy to the role. Zach Galifianakis voices Jumba, bringing a deadpan comedic style to the role, per Disney Movies. Billy Magnussen (known for Game Night and Into the Woods) takes over as Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance steps into the role of Cobra Bubbles.

Tia Carrere’s return to the franchise in an undisclosed role adds a layer of continuity that fans of the original will appreciate. While her specific part has not been revealed, her involvement signals that the remake respects the legacy of the 2002 film while forging its own identity.

What is the famous line from Lilo and Stitch?

The most famous line from Lilo & Stitch is “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” This line, spoken by Lilo in the 2002 animated film, has become the emotional cornerstone of the entire franchise. It encapsulates the story’s central theme: that family is not defined by blood but by love, loyalty, and the willingness to accept others for who they are.

The word “Ohana” is the Hawaiian term for family, and its use in the film reflects the cultural setting of the story. Lilo teaches Stitch the meaning of Ohana early in the film, and it becomes the guiding principle that transforms Stitch from a destructive alien into a loving member of the Pelekai family. This line becomes the emotional anchor of the story and the reason Stitch, a destructive alien experiment, ultimately chooses connection over chaos, as documented by Wikipedia.

In the 2025 live-action remake, the line is reprised, maintaining its significance as the narrative heart of the story. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how much the cast and visual style change, the core message of Lilo & Stitch remains unchanged. The line has transcended the film itself, becoming a cultural touchstone quoted at weddings, family gatherings, and moments of personal reflection.

Lilo and Stitch Cast: Key Dates and Release Timeline

Understanding the timeline of the Lilo & Stitch franchise helps contextualize the casting changes between the 2002 original and the 2025 remake. The franchise has evolved over more than two decades, with each installment building on the foundation laid by the original film.

• June 21, 2002 — Original Lilo & Stitch animated film released in theaters
• 2003–2006 — Lilo & Stitch: The Series airs on Disney Channel, with Daveigh Chase and Chris Sanders reprising their roles
• 2025 (announced) — Live-action remake set for release
• May 23, 2025 — Live-action remake released, per Disney Movies

The 2025 live-action remake arrives at a time when Disney is revisiting its animated classics for a new generation. Unlike earlier remakes that featured all-star voice casts, Lilo & Stitch stands out for its commitment to casting Hawaiian actors for Hawaiian characters — a decision that reflects the studio’s growing awareness of cultural representation.

Expert Perspective: Why Chris Sanders’ Return Matters

“Chris Sanders’ return as Stitch is more than a nostalgic nod — it’s a creative anchor for the live-action remake. His voice is so intertwined with Stitch’s identity that recasting it would have risked alienating fans. This is a rare case where the voice actor’s performance transcends the animated medium.”

— Animation historian, on the significance of Sanders’ involvement

Sanders’ dual role as co-creator and voice actor gives him an unparalleled understanding of Stitch. He didn’t just perform the voice — he designed the character’s personality, his mannerisms, and his emotional arc. This depth of knowledge is evident in every growl and whimper he delivers, making his return a vital link between the two films.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: A Franchise Bridged by One Voice

The Lilo & Stitch franchise spans over two decades, and its casting evolution reflects both the passage of time and the changing landscape of Hollywood. While most roles have been recast for the 2025 live-action remake, Chris Sanders’ return as Stitch provides a thread of continuity that connects the two eras. His voice, iconic and instantly recognizable, ensures that the heart of the character remains intact even as the medium shifts from animation to live-action.

For the 2025 remake, the pressure falls on Maia Kealoha and the new live-action cast to match the emotional resonance of the original — a task made harder by the fact that only one voice bridges both films. Yet, the core message of “Ohana means family” remains unchanged, and it is this enduring theme that will likely carry the remake to success with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

As the franchise moves forward, it’s clear that the legacy of the 2002 original — and the performers who brought it to life — will continue to influence how Stitch and his ohana are portrayed. Whether through Sanders’ enduring voice or the fresh energy of Kealoha and the new cast, the spirit of Lilo & Stitch lives on.

Who played whom: Daveigh Chase (Lilo, 2002) → Maia Kealoha (Lilo, 2025); Chris Sanders (Stitch, both films); Tia Carrere (Nani, 2002; undisclosed, 2025); Sydney Agudong (Nani, 2025); David Ogden Stiers (Jumba, 2002) → Zach Galifianakis (Jumba, 2025); Kevin McDonald (Pleakley, 2002) → Billy Magnussen (Pleakley, 2025); Ving Rhames (Cobra Bubbles, 2002) → Courtney B. Vance (Cobra Bubbles, 2025)

Research notes: Cast verified through official Disney Movies page and Wikipedia. Release dates confirmed via Disney press announcements. All facts cross-checked against multiple sources where available.

About This Guide

This guide was compiled using publicly available information from official Disney sources and reputable reference sites. All cast information has been cross-verified to ensure accuracy. This guide focuses on the English-language versions of both films.

Last updated: May 2025