Disney has stuck again with fans as they are yet again rebooting another childhood favorite. Apart from remaking Moana into live-action with its original actors, they have also pinned Lilo & Stitch.
While reasons remain unknown as to why they even thought of remaking the Disney classic, numerous users took to Twitter their disdain. Not only at the idea of the remake, but at Disney’s choice of the lined-up actors for the film.
Twitter users have non-stop criticized the casting of Sydney Agudong as Nani, Lilo’s older sister. Many fans have accused this casting as Disney’s attempt to “whitewash” the live remake.
Agudong is of native Hawaiian and Filipino descent, and even grew up on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, however, fans continue to call out on Disney’s controversial move.
As of writing, Disney has yet to respond to the rising criticism at their attempt to whitewash the film.
READ MORE: Disney Fans Convinced The Rock Is Using Moana Following Black Adam Failure
This is not the first time Disney has faced backlash. As it turns out, they also encountered a similar situation in adapting The Little Mermaid into live-action.
Many fans argued over the fact that the live Ariel was going to be played by a Black woman, Halle Bailey. While the other half defended this casting makes sense, since Ariel is not human or white, racism still overpowered the criticism.
Agudong will be joining Maia Kealoha, who is making her on-screen debut as the titular protagonist Lilo.
In February, Zach Galifianakis had been cast as the voice of Pleakley, the opposite alien special agent working with Dr. Jumba Jookiba to bring Stitch back on their ship.
Chris Sanders, the co-writer-director of the original Lilo & Stitch, will be returning to voice Stitch as he did so in the 2002 film.
Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 10, 2024.
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