Sydney Agudong Tia Carrere
Photo from IMDb Asian Journal File Photo
Tia Carrere and Sydney Agudong, two Filipina-American actresses from Hawai‘i, join Disney’s reimagined Lilo & Stitch—as the film rockets past Memorial Day box office records.
LOS ANGELES — Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch launched into box office history over Memorial Day weekend, earning $183 million domestically and $361.6 million worldwide, the highest Memorial Day opening on record. Among the ensemble cast, two Filipina-American actresses—Sydney Agudong, in the lead role of Nani Pelekai, and Tia Carrere, who makes a legacy appearance as Mrs. Kekoa—lend their voices, heritage, and local perspective to a film deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture.
From Animation to Live-Action
Originally released in 2002, Lilo & Stitch became a beloved Disney film for its heartfelt story of ʻohana, friendship, and resilience. The 2025 remake, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) and produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, preserves the emotional foundation of the original while delivering a visually rich and contemporary reimagining.
Much of the film’s critical and commercial success has been attributed to its culturally grounded storytelling and casting choices that reflect the real diversity of Hawai‘i.
Sydney Agudong’s Breakout Role
Taking center stage is 24-year-old Sydney Agudong, a Kaua‘i native of Filipino and Polynesian descent, who plays Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister and guardian. Known previously for TV roles and music released under the stage name Jayne Doe, Agudong steps into her first major film role with an emotional performance that highlights Nani’s strength, sacrifice, and vulnerability.
“For so many of us, Nani represents the eldest sibling shouldering everything quietly—and doing it out of love,” Agudong said in an interview. “It felt powerful to bring that reality to life from the lens of someone who understands where she’s coming from.”
Tia Carrere’s Full-Circle Return
Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original animated film, returns in the live-action version as Mrs. Kekoa, a local social worker who monitors Lilo’s living situation. The Honolulu-born actress and Grammy-winning musician is one of the earliest Filipina-American performers to break into mainstream Hollywood, with roles in Wayne’s World, True Lies, and Relic Hunter.
“Coming back to this story means everything,” Carrere said in a press feature. “It’s about our people, our families, our values—and to now be part of telling that story from a different generation is incredibly meaningful.”
Her appearance offers a bridge between the beloved original and its new interpretation—connecting viewers across generations and cultures.
A Record-Setting Box Office Launch
Lilo & Stitch shattered records over the holiday weekend, delivering Disney its largest Memorial Day theatrical release to date. Theater chains such as AMC and Regal reported near sold-out showings in major cities and strong repeat viewership, particularly among family audiences and nostalgic fans of the original.
A special screening held at Disney’s Burbank studios on May 17, 2025, included a traditional Hawaiian luau with live music and dance, reflecting the film’s cultural roots .
Analysts say the film’s opening sets a new bar for Disney live-action projects, especially amid concerns over streaming competition and remake fatigue. With strong word-of-mouth and international interest, Lilo & Stitch is expected to maintain momentum well into the summer.
Representation That Resonates
Beyond box office numbers, the film is earning praise for its sincere depiction of Hawaiian life and its decision to cast actors with real ties to the culture. Both Agudong and Carrere are emblematic of this direction—sharing Filipino heritage and local roots that inform their performances.
“It’s not just about seeing yourself on screen—it’s about being seen with respect, depth, and truth,” said one viewer after a Los Angeles screening. “They got it right this time.”
A Win for Authentic Storytelling
The presence of two Filipina-American actresses in prominent roles marks a notable shift in Hollywood’s depiction of Pacific Islander and Asian-American stories. As studios face increasing pressure to improve representation, Lilo & Stitch stands out not just for who is in front of the camera, but how the story honors the culture it draws from.
With its universal themes of family, grief, and belonging—paired with culturally respectful casting—Lilo & Stitch has proven that stories grounded in authenticity can resonate deeply and perform globally.
