Lilo & Stitch is the latest much-loved Disney animation to go live-action – but recent casting news has sparked some criticism from fans of the charming original film.
The 2002 cartoon, which celebrated Hawaiian culture by centring the story around 'Ohana' – the concept of extended family – as the relationship develops between Lilo and Stitch, is set to be remade exclusively for Disney+.
“We’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy.”
But after The Hollywood Reporter recently broke the news that Hawaiian actor Sydney Elizabeth Agudong will play Lilo's older sister and guardian, Nani, in the movie, some debate began circulating online – with many concerned that as a lighter-skinned actor, Sydney doesn't accurately represent the original character.
Sharing a picture of the original animation, one tweeted: “I get that there isn't a 'look' to being indigenous, but Nani is not a light-skinned indigenous Hawaiian woman... like let's be serious right now.”
"Colourism really f**ked over Nani's casting for the live action Lilo and Stitch. Yes the actress is a native Hawaiian, but she is also light skinned and white passing while Nani is not and never had been. She deserves better," a further added.
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Another wrote: “The conflict occurring in Lilo & Stitch being about the colonialist state attempting to pull this tiny 'broken' native Hawaiian family apart is made more apparent by their both being darker skinned girls. Casting a lighter skinned Hawaiian to play Nani interferes with that.”
Disney is yet to comment on the critiques and further details about the film are being kept under wraps, though some additional casting news has also been revealed.
Deadline confirmed that newcomer Maia Kealoha will play Lilo in the movie, which will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (known for the Oscar-nominated animation Marcel the Shell with Shoes On).
Also joining the cast is comedian, actor and The Hangover star Zach Galifianakis – though details of his role are being kept schtum.
GLAMOUR has contacted Disney and is awaiting comment.
