Hannah Waddingham, who will portray the Grand Councilwoman in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch. Known for her Emmy-winning role as Rebecca Welton on Ted Lasso, Waddingham brings her commanding presence to the leader of the Galactic Federation. In the animated film, the character, originally voiced by Zoe Caldwell, is a poised yet stern figure who oversees the events surrounding Experiment 626 (Stitch).

This casting decision is a strong addition to the ensemble, as Waddingham’s versatility as an actress has been praised for blending authority and empathy—qualities essential for the Grand Councilwoman. Fans eagerly await her portrayal, which is expected to add depth and nuance to the character in this fresh take on the beloved story.

With such an exciting cast lineup, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is shaping up to be a heartfelt reimagining of the classic, while maintaining its core message of family and acceptance. The movie is set to enchant both old fans and a new generation when it hits theaters on May 23, 2025.

In the meantime, here’s a look at who is playing who in the new movie.

        1. Lilo – Maia Kealoha

Maia Kealoha will take on the role of Lilo, a spirited young girl raised by her older sister Nani. Lilo feels like an outsider until she adopts what she believes is a dog but turns out to be an alien experiment.

• Original Voice: Daveigh Chase
• • Original Voice: Zoe Caldwell
  • Background: Waddingham is a recent addition to the cast and is celebrated for her versatile acting skills.Fun Fact: Daveigh Chase, who voiced Lilo in the animated film, also played the chilling Samara in The Ring.
    

    2. Stitch – Chris Sanders

    

     

    Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch in the original movie, returns to lend his voice to the mischievous Experiment 626.

    
    • Background: Sanders first created Stitch in 1985 for a children’s book pitch. Years later, he revived the character for Disney, co-directing and co-writing the 2002 film.

    3. Nani – Sydney Agudong

    

    Sydney Agudong, known for her work in On My Block, will portray Nani, Lilo’s older sister and legal guardian.

    • Original Voice: Tia Carrere
    • Background: Agudong is a songwriter and sister to actress Siena Agudong.

    4. Pleakley – Billy Magnussen

    

    

    Billy Magnussen takes on the role of Agent Pleakley, an expert on Earth from the United Galactic Federation.

    • Original Voice: Kevin McDonald
    • Previous Disney Roles: Magnussen appeared as Prince Anders in the 2019 live-action Aladdin.

    5. Jumba – Zach Galifianakis

    

    Zach Galifianakis will play Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the mad scientist who created Stitch.

    
    • Original Voice: David Ogden Stiers
    • Notable Roles: Galifianakis is known for his comedic breakout in The Hangover.

    6. Tūtū – Amy Hill

    

    Amy Hill joins the cast as Tūtū, a new character who is Lilo and Nani’s warm and witty neighbor.

    • Original Role: Hill voiced Mrs. Hasagawa, a cat-loving fruit stand owner, in the animated series.
    • Background: Hill has guest-starred on shows like Seinfeld, Magnum P.I., and Desperate Housewives.

    7. David – Kaipo Dudoit

    

    

    Kaipo Dudoit will portray David, Nani’s surfer boyfriend.

    • Original Voice: Jason Scott Lee
    • Casting Update: Kahiau Machado was initially cast but replaced due to social media controversies.

    8. Cobra Bubbles – Courtney B. Vance

    

    Tony- and Emmy-winning actor Courtney B. Vance will play Cobra Bubbles, Lilo’s enigmatic social worker.

    • Original Voice: Ving Rhames
    • Casting Speculation: Fans initially feared Cobra Bubbles had been cut from the live-action adaptation.

    9. Mrs. Kekoa – Tia Carrere

    

    Tia Carrere, the original voice of Nani, returns to play Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker keeping a watchful eye on Lilo and Nani.

    • Character Description: Mrs. Kekoa is practical and patient but alarmed by Nani’s struggles to care for Lilo.

    10. Grand Councilwoman – Hannah Waddingham

    

    Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) will portray the Grand Councilwoman, leader of the Galactic Federation.

Mark your calendars! The live-action Lilo & Stitch will hit theaters on May 23, 2025. Fans of the original will soon see how this ohana story is reimagined for a new generation.