The live-action remake of Lilo and Stitch has been under the spotlight since news of its production hit the web - but for all the wrong reasons. The film's questionable casting choices have garnered much attention - and netizens are not holding back. April 2022, The Hollywood Reporter announced that the role of Nani, Lilo’s older sister, would be taken on by actress Sydney Aguadong, who bears little resemblance to the Nani we know and love from the 2002 animation.
Many fans were disappointed with the controversial casting choice, voicing their discontent and accusing disney of white-washing Nani to align with western beauty standards. One twitter user commented, ‘it's erasing Hawaiian representation. The actors aren't Hawaiian (living in Hawaii does not make you Hawaiian). It's whitewashing, which is racist, It's no hypocrisy. It's actively shitting on the face of Hawaiian people. Have you even seen the character comparisons? Nice racism’.
In the original film, Nani is a 19 year old, indigenous Hawaiian with tan skin and striking features. Aguadong is anything but that. She has significantly lighter skin and was born to a caucasian mother and filipino father. Although she was raised in Hawaii, Aguadong has no Hawaiian roots to our knowledge.
It perhaps won’t come as a surprise that Disney has a history of whitewashing their characters.In the 2019 live-adaptation of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine was played by British-Indian actress Naomi Scott. This also triggered significant backlash since many believed there were more ‘suitable’ casting options.
It perhaps won’t come as a surprise that Disney has a history of whitewashing their characters.In the 2019 live-adaptation of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine was played by British-Indian actress Naomi Scott. This also triggered significant backlash since many believed there were more ‘suitable’ casting options.
Unfortunately, the controversy does not end. The second wave of criticism came about after some screenshots of Kahiau Machado, the actor playing David Kawena, containing racial slurs, resurfaced online. Lilo & Stitch fans, already displeased with yet other whitewashed casting choice, were only further enraged.
@SpellcasterBabe commented: What on earth?! I thought he was recasted for simply not looking the part, but to find out it’s because he’s flamboyantly racist is actually kinda insane. I think probably even being casted fueled that exact racism. Crazy.
On the 21st of April, the news broke out that Machado had been replaced by Kaipo Dudoit. It might be soon to tell but netizens seem much more pleased with Dudoit as David. On the bright side, there is some solace in knowing that Chris Sanders, the visionary who not only directed and wrote the film, but also voiced Stitch, is said to be making a comeback. He is the only member of the original 2002 cast who is part of the live remake. Maia Kealoha is playing Lilo, Chris Sanders as Stitch, Sydney Agudong as Nani Pelekai, David Kawena as Kaipo Dudoit, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and finally Billy Magnussen will be playing Pleakley.
It’s a shame that this childhood favourite has been embroiled in scandal since news of its release. We can only hope that things look up from here on. The film is set to release sometime in 2024.
Until then, let's hope the production team stays clear of controversy.
Edited by Carlos Martinez
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