Fans of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch are voicing their dissatisfaction with the casting of the upcoming live-action remake, set to debut on Memorial Weekend.

Lilo and Stitch Live Action Release Date

As excitement builds for the movie, a wave of backlash has followed, with many viewers claiming that some of the cast members do not resemble their cartoon counterparts.

Lilo and Stitch Live Action Cast Nani

As explained in this TikTok video posted by user @reyahthelastdragon, one of the major points of contention revolves around the casting of Lilo’s older sister, Nani. In the animated film, Nani is portrayed as a curvy, native Hawaiian woman. However, fans have pointed out that the actress cast in the role does not share the same physical characteristics as the character.

Speculation has also surfaced online, with some suggesting that the actress is not actually a native Hawaiian, as there is allegedly no verifiable proof of her Hawaiian background. Further fueling these concerns, rumors have been circulating that the actress may have been spray-tanned for the role, raising questions about the authenticity of her portrayal.

Lilo and Stitch Live Action 2025 Cast

Additionally, the character of the sunburned tourist, a comedic figure in the original movie, has also been the subject of controversy. In the live-action version, the tourist has reportedly been replaced with someone who looks to be a Hawaiian man, leading to accusations of race-swapping. Fans argue that this shift changes the dynamic of the characters in ways that feel inconsistent with the original film’s cultural context.

Another complaint involves the character Myrtle, who in the animated movie is known for her red hair. In the live-action adaptation, fans have noted that Myrtle doesn’t appear to have the iconic red locks, leading to further disappointment about the portrayal of key characters.

While Disney has remained tight-lipped on these concerns, it’s clear that the casting decisions have sparked a debate, with many fans feeling that the movie may not accurately reflect the spirit of the original beloved animated classic.