Chris Sanders in Final Talks to Return as Voice of Stitch in Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch
Disney's Popular Animated film Lilo & Stitch is being Adapted into a live action movie but the Casting Decision for one of the Characters has Sparked a New discussion about Colorism in hollywood. Some fans were disappointed to learn that Sydney Agudong, who is of mixed race, was cast as Nani, Lilo's older sister and legal guardian. Critics of the decision pointed out that in the original 2002 animated version, Nani had dark skin and distinct indigenous features, while Agudong has lighter skin.
Hawaii Has the Highest proportion of Multiracial People in the US and Many Residents have a Combination of White, asian and Native hawaiian Heritage. While some Hawaiians have lighter skin, the choice to cast a light-skinned actor for a character originally depicted with dark skin perpetuates societal standards of what features are considered beautiful or acceptable. This reinforces a level of erasure and contributes to the issue of colorism in society, according to OniMasai Connor, a Black and Hawaiian resident of Oahu.
Disney and Agudong's representatives have not commented on the casting decision.
Why some feel Nani’s skin color is relevant
The upcoming "Lilo & Stitch" film is based on an animated movie and features a fictional character named Nani. However, unlike the controversy surrounding the live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid," which received backlash for casting Halle Bailey due to its roots in mythology, "Lilo & Stitch" draws from a real culture and people.
According to Connor and others, Nani and Lilo's Hawaiian identity and skin tone are crucial to the story. In one scene from the animated film, Nani describes the luau where she works as a "stupid, fakey luau," highlighting the exploitation of Native Hawaiian people and their customs by the tourism industry.
A Twitter user noted that Nani's employment at the "fakey luau" and her use of the term itself was a bold political statement, touching on issues such as colorism, indigeneity, and the specific history of colonialism imposed on Hawaii by the US.
The film also addresses Nani's economic struggles as Lilo's sole caretaker after their parents' death. As Lilo's companion Stitch causes trouble at Nani's workplaces, she has a hard time holding down a job and is warned by a social worker that she could lose custody of her sister. This storyline reflects real-life issues of Native children being removed from their homes and the racial disparities in the US child welfare system.
Another Twitter user pointed out that the film's conflict centers around the colonialist state attempting to tear apart a "broken" Native Hawaiian family, made more apparent by Nani and Lilo's darker skin tones. Therefore, casting a lighter-skinned Hawaiian to play Nani would interfere with the story's message.
Colorism is pervasive in Hollywood
Colorism has been a persistent issue in Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry. High profile Celebrities Like Viola Davis and Lupita Nyongo have Spoken out about The unfair Treatment They Have Faced due to their Dark skin, while Others such as Zendaya and Thandiwe Newton Have Acknowledged the Advantages that Come with having Lighter skin.
The Live action Adaptation of Lilo & Stitch is The Latest project to Be criticized for Colorism, joining a Long list of Others. For instance, a similar debate arose when Disney cast Naomi Scott, who is of mixed English and Indian heritage, as Princess Jasmine in its live-action remake of "Aladdin."
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