Hawaiian actress Sydney Agudong is cast as Nani in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.
Sydney is white, while Nani is dark-skinned. It makes a difference to audiences who are obsessed with seeing actors that resemble the animated characters.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sydney will portray Nani Pelekai, the older sister and legal guardian of Lilo Pelekai, played by Maia Kealoha.
Tia Carrere voiced Nani in the original 2002 animation film.
Angry Lilo & Stitch fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration over Disney’s casting faux pas.
why are they casting white ppl in lilo and stitch ????
— thebrookealyse? (@thebrookealyse3) April 14, 2023
Some fans posted memes featuring actors who don’t pass for movie subjects.
Ariel is a fish, her culture is mermaid. Disney’s version of the film takes place somewhere in the “Mediterranean sea” according to directors – She could have been blue & it wouldn’t matter. Nani is a native Hawaiian w/ brown skin. They are not the same.
— Mario?????? (@mmdisney200) April 14, 2023
If one thing Disney is gonna do it’s colorism and only cast light skin ?
— Steven T (@steventphoto) April 14, 2023
throw the whole movie away
— femi (@shurifilmz) April 14, 2023
something about this don't fit right with my spirit
— Nicholas Dante (@nicholasdante_) April 14, 2023