Disney is known for making some of the most beloved films in history. With a vast library of animated classics, live-action blockbusters, and an extensive catalog of original content for their streaming service, Disney+ has become synonymous with family-friendly entertainment. However, the production house often faces backlash for its casting choices.
Recently, Disney has come under fire for casting choices in the upcoming live-action remake of the beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch. It is an animated science fiction film that follows the story of a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts a strange and mischievous alien creature named Stitch, whom she believes is a dog.
Sydney Agudong has been cast as Nani in Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘LILO & STITCH.’https://t.co/XvgDIsj4Mw pic.twitter.com/anqtxyhGWU
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 14, 2023
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Why Are Fans Calling Out Disney For Casting Sydney Agudong
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has cast Sydney Agudong, a light-skinned actress, as Nani, a character with a Hawaiian heritage. It has sparked outrage among fans, with many criticizing Disney for perpetuating colorism and ignoring the community’s diversity. Fans of the series have a different vision of what Nani should look like, leading to a notion that Agudong may not be the right fit for the role.
If one thing Disney is gonna do it’s colorism and only cast light skin 🙄
— Steven T (@steventphoto) April 14, 2023
Yes the casting crew should be held responsible. But when do we start holding the actors who take these roles responsible as well? Some things you should just say no to https://t.co/teogEKBdCB
— Ak1l@h (@ReelingThespian) April 14, 2023
Enough!
No shade to that young lady, but she really should've said no to this casting, and shame on the directors for choosing her.This is colorism, and considering the current state of affairs in Hawaii and the plot of LILO & STITCH, this casting has heavy shades of racism. https://t.co/misWoSfE7T
— Carolyn -Did Not Pay for 🐦- Hinds 🇧🇧🗺 (@CarrieCnh12) April 14, 2023
This is a disservice to brown girls who saw themselves in Nani. Colorism remains strong in this industry. https://t.co/8wJRE5DvNS
— Joelle Monique ✍🏾 (@JoelleMonique) April 14, 2023
Colorism done got Nani too HELL, and this exactly why I’m telling y’all to stop asking for live action Tiana and Miles cause they will be grabbing lightest mf in the room. https://t.co/h8tl1HsHvL
— project starfire ♤ (@haworthes) April 14, 2023
Disney hasn’t made an official announcement regarding casting the 22-year-old actress and singer for the part. Having previously starred in projects such as NCIS, Infamously in Love, and the feature film West Michigan, Sydney Agudong has already established herself as a versatile actress. Born and raised in Hawaii, Agudong’s background and upbringing brings a refreshing perspective to her work.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the film would also have Aladdin’s Billy Magnussen, who will join Zach Galifianakis, and newcomer Maia Kealoha, who will portray the role of Lilo.
What Is Disney’s Lilo & Stitch All About
The story is set in Hawaii and tells a tale of the connection between Lilo, a lonely young girl, and Stitch, an alien resembling a dog designed for destruction. Despite the constant interruption from intrusive social workers and relentless extraterrestrial hunters, the pair form a bond based on their mutual understanding of the importance of family, ultimately overcoming all the hurdles.
The screenwriter for the upcoming adaptation is Chris Kekaniokalani Bright. The original feature, which wasn’t an instant success, was written and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. However, despite its slow start, the film managed to garner a loyal following that has continued to grow over the years.
The upcoming film is being produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, with Ryan Halprin serving as the executive producer. Lilo & Stitch‘s live-action adaptation is expected to release in May 2024. It will later be available for streaming on Disney+.
Source: Twitter
