The Lilo & Stitch live-action remake team took to the San Diego Comic-Con stage on Friday, July 26, to share behind-the-scenes stories, fun facts, and updates with fans.
The cast, including Maia Kealoha (Lilo), Sydney Agudong (Nani), Tia Carrere (Mrs. Kekoa), and Chris Sanders (creator and original voice of Stitch), provided a deeper look into the making of the film, while Sanders also teased exciting updates about the upcoming sequel.
Stitch’s Original Look: Green and Forest Dweller
One of the most surprising revelations came from Sanders, who shared that Stitch was originally envisioned as a green forest-dwelling creature instead of the blue, mischievous alien we know today. The character first appeared in Sanders’ art school sketches about 15 years before the creation of the 2002 animated classic.
It wasn’t until Sanders and Dean DeBlois began developing the film that Stitch’s character shifted from a villain to a hero, driven by the concept of ʻohana (family). The focus on family would go on to be a key theme in the film and its upcoming sequel.
The Casting of Live-Action Nani: A Sisterly Bond
Agudong shared an emotional moment, revealing that the casting process for the role of Nani came down to her and her real-life sister, Siena. Agudong said her relationship with her sisters is “everything” to her, and working with Kealoha (who plays Lilo) strengthened that bond.
The two actresses formed a close, sisterly connection on and off-screen, with Agudong describing it as “love at first hug.”
Maia Kealoha: The Prankster on Set
Kealoha, the 8-year-old actress playing Lilo, stole the show with her playful antics on set. The team joked that she would often pull pranks on director Dean Fleischer Camp and even her mother. One behind-the-scenes clip showed her greeting actor Zach Galifianakis with the words, “Hello dummy!”
Kealoha’s lively personality made her a standout during filming, and she even shared a cute tradition of kissing her puppet co-star, Stitch, before every take, which later became a heartwarming moment in the movie.
The Sequel is Officially in the Works
In exciting news, the success of the Lilo & Stitch live-action film has paved the way for a sequel, set to hit theaters in 2026. Sanders confirmed during the Comic-Con panel that he has begun writing the sequel, which fans are eagerly anticipating.
Disney teased the sequel on social media, showing Stitch behind the wheel of a mini pink convertible with the license plate “2 FAST.” Fans are now buzzing about what the next chapter will bring.
Addressing the Wildfires in Lahaina
During the Q&A portion of the panel, one fan asked whether the sequel could touch on the recent devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, which affected the Hawaiian community.
Sanders responded thoughtfully, acknowledging that it was an “interesting thought,” but did not provide specific details on how it might be addressed.
Carrere, who voiced the original Nani, shared her excitement about the sequel, commenting on the “love” that surrounds Lilo & Stitch and how important that theme is in today’s world.
Lilo & Stitch 2 is currently slated for release in 2026, and fans can’t wait to see what new adventures await Lilo, Stitch, and their growing family.
