It was an ohana affair at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 when some of the cast for LILO & STITCH took to the pop-culture fan fest to talk about the new live action film and the legacy of the original animated classic.

Here’s everything we got to see and learn at the LILO & STITCH panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.

The panel was moderated by Denny Director and featured panelists including Chris Sanders (creator, writer, and original voice of Stitch); Maia Kealoha (live action Lilo); Tia Carrere (original voice of Nani, live action Mrs. Kekoa); Sydney Agudong (live acrion Nani). Below are some of our favorite moments.

• Chris Sanders (creator, writer, original voice of Stitch) shared:
  • He credited Thomas Schumacher for helping the original film survive the studio process.
  • He believes the movie’s lasting success comes from its sincerity—a story about a real family in unusual circumstances.
  • Stitch was originally green during early development but filmmakers convinced him it was easier to pass stitch off as a dog with blue
  • He also teased the mystery behind Stitch’s infamous phrase “meega nala kweesta.” Whatever is the most vile thing you can think of — it’s that.
  • He confirmed elements from the original film, unused material, and the animated series are all being considered for the sequel—but specifics remain a closely guarded secret for now
• Maia Kealoha (live-action Lilo):
  • Said meeting her on-screen sister Sydney Agudong was “love at first hugs”
  • Talked about bonding with her on-set “ohana” and her habit of shouting “rolling rolling” before takes.
  • Shared stories of pranking the crew by mixing “secret potions” from craft services.
  • Stitch was often represented by a puppet and Maya affectionately described kissing his painted nose between takes
  • She shared that she now gets recognized at Target and jokingly described going incognito in hoodie, hat, and sunglasses.
• Sydney Agudong (live-action Nani):
  • Landed the role over her real-life sister, setting up perfect sisterly energy on set.
  • She completed authentic Hawaii lifeguard training — including learning how to run underwater with a boulder
  • She said the role helped her reconnect with her identity and culture, describing the experience as helping her “come home.”
  • She enjoyed surfing and got scuba certified, even diving with sharks.
• Tia Carrere (original Nani, now live-action Mrs. Kekoa):
  • Called it a blessing to play roles in both the original and live-action versions.
  • Expressed joy in being part of what she called the “Stitch multiverse.”
  • She reflected on how Hawaiian roots and upbringing which have kept her grounded even after 40 years in the industry
• More Fun
  • Lilo & Stitch became the first film of 2025 to cross the billion-dollar box office mark.
  • An adorable marionette puppet was used as a Stitch stand-in during filming.
  • Moderator Denny Directo noted that Maia and Sydney were still playfully teasing each other backstage—like real sisters.

Photos

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San Diego Comic-Con takes place July 24 – July 27, 2025.

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