Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Recasts David After Uncovering Racist Social Media Posts, Fans Now Demand Recast for Nani
Updated on April 21, 2023 at 6:38 p.m. EST:
Disney has replaced the actor who was initially reported to play David Kawena in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, after the use of racial slurs were uncovered in his social media posts, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Within the past week, Disney has continuously added to the cast list of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, announcing the casting of Tia Carrere (who voiced Nani in the original film), Amy Hill, and Courtney B. Vance as new characters Mrs. Kekoa and Tūtū, and OG character Cobra Bubbles, respectively.
On April 21, THR reported that Disney confirmed the casting of Kaipo Dudoit as Nani’s boyfriend David, after it was previously announced that Kahiau Machado would take on the role. According to THR, Machado was replaced after posts using racial slurs, specifically the N-word, were found in the actor’s social media history during Disney’s vetting process. (THR notes that Disney never officially confirmed Machado’s casting.)
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Soon after the news broke of Machado’s replacement, “Recast Nani” began trending on Twitter. Hundreds of fans began to call for Disney to “recast Nani next” in reference to the whitewashing and colorism accusations that sparked in response to actress Sydney Agudong’s casting. “Good. Now recast Nani immediately,” wrote on fan on Twitter on April 21. “And give us the dark skinned Hawaiian beauty we all desire.”
Original story follows.
Previously (April 18, 2023 at 4:23 p.m. EST):
A live-action version of the 2002 Disney animated movie Lilo & Stitch is officially in the works, but many fans are not happy with the casting decisions.
As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has completed casting for three of the film’s main roles. Young newcomer Maia Kealoha will play Lilo; Sydney Agudong will play Nani, Lilo’s older sister and guardian; and newcomer Kahiau Machado officially joined the project as David, Nani’s love interest, on April 17.
