In the much-anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, Jason Scott Lee, who lent his voice to the character David in the original animated version, is set to make a cameo appearance as the Luau Manager. This confirmation comes after months of speculation by fans on Lee’s involvement in the new film.
Lee recently confirmed his participation in the upcoming adaptation while on the Kyle Meredith With… podcast, stating, “I got a little, small [part]. They threw me some bones, and I said, ‘Yeah, absolutely! In any capacity.'” He further added, “I just wanted to be a part of it, so it’s a three-day cameo, and I think it will be fun. I’m playing the Luau manager. I get to see the kid that’s playing my character that I voiced, David. And I’ll get to see Lilo, and I’ll get to see Nani, the new people, the actors that are playing them. So it’ll be fun.”
These remarks indicate that Lee will not be returning as David in the new version. Earlier this year, it was declared that Kahiau Machado was cast as David, Nani’s love interest and Lilo’s elder sister, portrayed in live-action by Sydney Agudong. However, following revelations about Machado’s usage of racial slurs on social media, Disney opted for recasting. The role of David is now assigned to Kaipo Dudoit, a fresh face in the industry, with prior appearances on Magnum P.I. and My Partner.
The Cast of the Live-action Version of Lilo & Stitch
The upcoming remake boasts a strong cast, with several members from the original animation reprising roles. Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, is confirmed to play Mrs. Kekoa in the new film.
The original film’s writer and director, Chris Sanders, will return to helm the live-action adaptation. Reports from April indicated that Sanders was in advanced discussions with Disney to voice Stitch again, the loveable blue alien from the original animation. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed as of now. Sanders co-directed the original Lilo & Stitch alongside Dean DeBlois.
Lilo — Maia Kealoha
Stitch — Chris Sanders
Nani — Sydney Agudong
Pleakley — Billy Magnussen
Jumba — Zach Galifianakis
Tūtū — Amy Hill
David — Kaipo Dudoit
Cobra Bubbles — Courtney B. Vance
Mrs. Kekoa — Tia Carrere
The release date for the live-action Lilo & Stitch by Disney is yet to be announced.
