- Disney reportedly announced Sydney Agudong will play Nani in the live-action "Lilo & Stitch."
- Agudong was born and raised on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, the outlet reported.
On Thursday, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Disney found their live-action Nani in actress Sydney Agudong for the upcoming "Lilo & Stitch" remake. The casting announcement sparked debate online over whitewashing and colorism in the entertainment industry.
The animated 2002 film follows a young, lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo, as she befriends an alien named Stitch. Lilo's older sister and guardian, Nani, raises Lilo after their parent's death.
Representatives for Agudong and Disney did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
Agudong, 22, was born and raised on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, according to the outlet. Still, Twitter users who belong to indigenous communities highlighted that colorism in the media is a big issue. Commenters also accused Disney of pandering to Eurocentric beauty standards and of a missed opportunity to showcase proper representation of dark-skinned Pacific Islanders.
—Cuchillo Lope (@HosteenCholo) April 14, 2023
Colorblind casting in Hollywood has drawn much criticism and ire in recent years. Most recently, fans debated the casting choice for Ariel in the live-action "The Little Mermaid." In February, Halle Bailey, who stars as Ariel, spoke to The Face Magazine about reacting to racist comments.
"As a Black person, you just expect it and it's not really a shock anymore," Bailey said.
In March, Disney announced that newcomer Maia Kealoha will star as Lilo. Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis are also set to star in the 2024 live-action remake.