The original voice of Lilo Pelekai was Daveigh Chase, who gave the character her iconic, raspy, and deeply human soul in the 2002 Lilo & Stitch. For the upcoming live-action reimagining, Disney has passed the torch to 9-year-old newcomer Maia Kealoha, a Hawaii local who is set to bring Lilo into a new era.
TL;DR
Daveigh Chase defined Lilo’s eccentric, "weird is good" charm for over two decades, and her recent passing has left a massive hole in the Disney 'ohana. Now, breakout star Maia Kealoha is stepping into the red hula dress for the live-action Lilo & Stitch, which is expected to drop on Disney+ later this year. The new film looks to maintain the original’s emotional weight while leaning into more authentic Hawaiian representation.
When Lilo & Stitch hit theaters in 2002, it felt nothing like the "Disney Princess" machine. Lilo wasn’t poised, she wasn't looking for a prince, and she didn't have a perfect singing voice. She was a messy, grieving, Elvis-loving kid who bit people when she got frustrated.
That authenticity came almost entirely from Daveigh Chase. Most kids’ movie voice acting at the time was high-pitched and "performed." Chase brought a low, gravelly, and incredibly grounded delivery that made Lilo feel like a real child you might actually meet at a grocery store. She voiced the character through the original film, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, and the various sequels, cementing Lilo as the patron saint of "the weird kids."
The recent news of Chase’s passing has hit the fan community hard. She didn't just play a character; she voiced a specific kind of childhood loneliness that turned into a beautiful, chaotic family. Honoring her legacy means acknowledging that without her specific, unpolished delivery, Lilo probably wouldn't have become the cultural icon she is today.
Following a massive search for the right "Lilo" for the live-action remake, Disney landed on Maia Kealoha. Unlike the star-studded casting calls that usually happen in Burbank, Kealoha was a true breakout find—a young girl from the islands with no major prior acting credits but a lot of natural hula experience and that essential "Lilo energy."
Based on the early teasers and set photos, Kealoha seems to have nailed the look, but the real test will be the voice. She has big shoes to fill, but the casting feels intentional. Disney is clearly moving away from the "Hollywood kid" vibe and toward something that feels more like the community the movie is actually about.
The live-action Lilo & Stitch is currently one of the most anticipated (and debated) projects on the Disney slate. Here is the straight read on what to expect:
- The Vibe: From the trailer, it looks like they are leaning into the lush, tropical aesthetic of Kauai, but with a slightly more grounded tone. It’s not going to be a shot-for-shot remake, but the core "broken family" story remains.
- The Stitch Problem: This is the big one. Stitch is being brought to life via CGI, and while we haven't seen the final "finished" look in every lighting condition, the goal seems to be "tactile and cute" rather than "hyper-realistic alien nightmare." Chris Sanders, the original director and voice of Stitch, is returning to voice the blue guy, which is a massive win for consistency.
- The Cast: Alongside Kealoha, we have Sydney Agudong as Nani. The casting of Nani sparked some initial internet drama regarding skin tone and representation, but the focus remains on the chemistry between the two sisters—which is the actual heartbeat of the movie.
- The Release: It is expected to skip the traditional theatrical window and drop directly on Disney+ in late 2026.
If you’re introducing your kid to Lilo for the first time—whether through the original Lilo & Stitch or the upcoming remake—it’s worth talking about why this story sticks.
Most kids’ media treats "being different" as a plot point that gets solved by the end of the movie. Lilo never stops being "different." She just finds a group of people (and aliens) who don't ask her to change. For a kid who feels out of step with their peers, seeing a character who is allowed to be angry, sad, and eccentric without being "fixed" is incredibly powerful.
Conversations to Start
If your kid is diving into the Lilo-verse, here are a few ways to move the conversation past the "cute alien" stuff:
- On Grief: Lilo and Nani are dealing with the loss of their parents. It’s one of the few Disney movies that shows how grief makes people snappy and difficult, not just poetic and sad. Ask: "Why do you think Nani and Lilo yell at each other even though they love each other?"
- On 'Ohana: The "nobody gets left behind" line is famous, but the movie shows that 'ohana is something you build, not just something you're born into.
- On Being a "Glitch": Stitch was literally built to destroy. Lilo was "built" to be a hula girl but prefers feeding peanut butter sandwiches to fish. Talk about how we choose who we want to be, regardless of what people expect.
The original movie has some "early 2000s" edge to it. There’s a lot of sisterly screaming, some mild peril with a social worker (Cobra Bubbles), and some sci-fi violence. The live-action version will likely carry a PG rating and maintain that same level of "family-friendly intensity." If your kid is sensitive to themes of family separation, the social worker sub-plot is the thing to watch for—it’s handled with heart, but it can be stressful for younger viewers.
Q: Did the original Lilo voice actress pass away? Yes, Daveigh Chase passed away recently, which has led to a renewed appreciation for her work as the original voice of Lilo. Her performance is widely considered one of the most authentic portrayals of a child in animation history.
Q: Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie? Maia Kealoha, a young Hawaiian actress, was cast as Lilo. This is her first major role, and she was selected after a wide-reaching casting call to find an authentic fit for the character.
Q: Is Chris Sanders voicing Stitch in the new movie? Yes! In a move that has relieved many fans, Chris Sanders (who co-wrote and directed the original film) is returning to provide the voice for Stitch. It’s hard to imagine anyone else doing that specific "626" growl.
Q: Is the original Lilo & Stitch okay for a 5-year-old? Generally, yes. It’s a favorite for that age group because of Stitch’s physical comedy. Just be ready for some questions about why Lilo is sad or why she doesn't have parents—it’s a great entry point for talking about big feelings.
Whether you’re honoring the legacy of Daveigh Chase by re-watching the 2002 classic or getting ready to see Maia Kealoha take the lead in the new film, Lilo remains one of the most vital characters in the Disney catalog. She’s proof that you don't have to be perfect to be a hero—you just have to show up for your 'ohana.
- Watch the original: Catch the 2002 Lilo & Stitch on Disney+.
- Explore more "weird kid" stories: Check out our best movies for kids list for titles like The Mitchells vs. The Machines.
- Get the full guide: Read our deep dive into the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake.