By Sean Manning
Marking the digital release of Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake and a billion-dollar success, the three film stars met with Press for a roundtable interview at San Diego Comic-Con. We spoke with Maia Kiroha (Lilo), Sydney Agdon (Nani), Tia Carrera (Voice of Nani in animated films) and about the legacy of one of Disney’s most unusual animation features.
Kealoha has arrived at the Round Table in costumes based on the popular Netflix anime Kpop Demon Hunters. “My hair is inspired by Zoe,” she said.
Asked about appearing in a successful live-action remake of the beloved animation feature, Kealoha said, “I feel it’s amazing to be able to play a truly iconic character in Hawaii.
Kealoha said it’s not difficult to imagine talking to animated characters like Stitch. “I didn’t have any brothers or sisters, so I have to imagine someone playing with me,” she said. “So it was really easy to imagine the stitching being there.”
The young actress said she didn’t see the original animation Lilo & Stitch before her role, but did see it. “I think it’s amazing,” Kealoha said. “As great as this movie.”
Kealoha has also gathered a good collection of stitching toys. “I have 5,000 pieces. My favorite is gorgeous, but they are dolls. Put your hands in and it’s like a doll. But there’s an elastic band in my left hand so I can control it.
Lilo & Stitch was Kealoha’s first film and she enjoyed the experience. “My favourite part about making this film was making Ohana on set, seeing everyone on set every day, and going through scenes and lines ready,” she said. “It’s all about Ohana and Hawaii is a big part of me, and I’m also happy that Hawaii shines in this film.”
And as we know from both versions of the film, Kealoha says, “Ohana means family, and none of the family is left.”
Agdon, who plays Nani in the live-action remake, spoke about his work with Carrera, who created the role. “The death of a generation that comes with it is incredibly symbolic in itself as a fan,” she said. “So it was really Radh and it was also a great experience to be able to be led by Tia and the other artists.”
Unlike Kealoha, Agudong saw the original Lilo & Stitch before joining the new film. “It was forever in my top three, not my top three,” she said. Agudong said it was the first Disney movie she saw. She remembered dressing as Lilo for a healthy baby contest and was initially nervous about taking the stage. “As soon as I got on stage with Lilo, they turned on the Hawaiian roller coaster song. I was like mommy, goodbye. “There’s something about this movie.”
Like the original, Agudong sees live-action Lilo & Stitch as a story that resonates with family quest. “One of Hawaii’s main themes as a culture is Ohana, family, and Aloha spreads love,” she said. “And I think the fact that it is one of the forefronts of our values is amazing how Chris (Sanders) is smart enough to use Hawaii that way.”
“I think it brings the theme of bringing back the things we love about Disney back to Earth,” she added. “I think it’s a very humble and real movie film. I love how we were able to bring this to a live-action reimagining because, as we are the usual female archetype Nani is strongly expressed, she is incomplete and she does not involve any struggle.
Agudong and Kealoha at SDCC ’25
Agudong recalls the bond he felt with Kealoha in the first meeting before being cast as Nani and Lilo. “When we were in the audition room for the first time, we were about to do a pizza scene I was about to go to. I told her I had to leave. And we saw the hammock there. “I picked it up. I was just anxious and I think I needed something to play with him. And she immediately started singing.
Carrera, who created Nani’s role, was extremely pleased to return to the franchise as Mrs. Kekoa. “I’m over the month when I was invited to a party 23 years later, and it’s a huge success because the world has taught me that I appreciate the aloha spirit we bring to the screen,” she said.
However, when approached to the original animation feature, Carrera said she wasn’t very sure about this idea of Lilo & Stitch.
“When I first met Chris Sanders and Dean Debrow, we only had dinner and we do movies in Hawaii, so we generally talk about the concept of film. Carrera recalls. “There was a lot to understand, but seeing it put together so cleverly, so beautifully, was beyond what I could imagine. I saw the research they did and portrayed the world so accurately in the plantation house we have on the island. I’m happy.”
Like Kealoha, Currera also enjoys Lilo & Stitch Toys. “I have a treasure trove of stitched products,” she said. “I have glitter stitches, I have rock and roll stitches, I have Elvis stitches.”
Looking back on her journey as an actress, Carrera said: “I have to pinch myself and go. You are the lucky girl in the world. Found at a 17-year-old grocery store, shopped for groceries, got my first film, and now I have friends and fans all over the world.
Keep an eye out for more coverage from SDCC ’25.
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