Newcomer Maia Kealoha has been cast as Lilo in Disney’s live-action remake of its cult 2002 animated movie “Lilo & Stitch”. Knight Edge Media (via THR) broke the news.
Celebrated filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp (“Marcel the Shell With Shoes On”) is directing the feature that is intended to be a major release to premiere directly on the Disney+ service.
The Hawaii-centric story tells of the bond formed between a lonely human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who was genetically engineered to be a force of destruction.
With nosy social workers and pursuing aliens watching their every move, the two bond over a shared sense of family and win the day. Zach Galifianakis joined the cast last month but specifics of his role are under wraps.
Chris Kekaniokalani Bright wrote the script for the adaptation of Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois’ original film which has developed a loyal fan base over the years. The film made $273 million worldwide of an $80 million budget and scored an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature film.
Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback are producing. The key role of Lilo’s older sister has yet to be announced.
