EXCLUSIVE: Kaipo Dudoit Talks Heart and Aloha in Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch star Kaipo Dudoit joins the Moviegoers Society.

The beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch is being adapted into a live-action treatment. It is set to hit theaters on May 23, 2025. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the film promises to deliver all the heart, humor, and chaos of the original 2002 classic, with a fresh twist for a new generation.

Joining the star-studded cast is Hawaiian actor Kaipo Dudoit, who plays David Kawena, Nani’s charming love interest and one of the film’s most grounded, heartfelt characters. In a recent interview on The Moviegoer Society podcast, Dudoit spoke with Nerdtropolis about what the role means to him, the importance of staying true to the film’s themes of Ohana, and the surreal moment he got the call.

“I was at work at a health center, in between patients,” Dudoit recalled. “I got the call and immediately called my mom. We both just started crying. Then I had to go right back to work like nothing happened.”

A fantastic and vibrant Lilo & Stitch cast!

The cast also includes Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders (the original voice of Stitch), Courtney B. Vance, and introduces Maia Kealoha as Lilo.

Dudoit, a native of Oahu, said he’s always held a deep love for Lilo & Stitch and connected with the character of David long before landing the role. “David was always my favorite Disney character,” he said. “He’s such a great representation of what a man should be—someone who’s kind, respectful, and always giving Aloha, even when it’s not returned.”

Connecting with David.

“What I really love about David is that he’s a waterman,” Dudoit added. “He loves the ocean. I always saw him as someone who goes with the flow in life, and I try to live that way too. He’s calm, centered, and loves deeply without pushing. That’s something I really relate to and try to bring into my own life.”

When asked how the new film captures the spirit of the original, Dudoit emphasized that the heart is very much intact. “We kept the joy, the chaos, and most importantly, the Aloha,” he said. “It’s really about family—about loving people for who they are and making sure they feel that love so they can pass it on.”

“There’s just something powerful about being accepted,” he explained. “This story reminds us that no matter who you are, you deserve to be loved and supported. That’s a universal message.”

The film’s trailer debuted to massive success.

It became Disney’s second most-viewed live-action trailer of all time within 24 hours, racking up 158 million views—just behind 2019’s The Lion King. It quickly reached No. 1 on platforms such as X, YouTube, and China’s Douyin.

Speaking to fans who might be worried about the shift to live-action, Dudoit offered reassurance. “We really made an effort to keep the heart of the movie. The additions will surprise people, but in a good way. Fans of the original will still feel that same emotional pull.”

As for acting alongside Stitch—who was created through CGI—Dudoit had to rely heavily on his imagination. “There were placeholders sometimes, but a lot of it was just me imagining what Stitch might be doing in the scene,” he shared. “It was a challenge, but it actually helped me grow as an actor. It forced me to be more creative and playful.”

Outside of Lilo & Stitch, Dudoit looks forward to another animated-to-live-action remake. “The other one I’m really looking forward to is How to Train Your Dragon,” he said. “I’ve heard great things.”

The beauty of Hawaii.

Before wrapping up, Dudoit took a moment to celebrate his home and what Hawaii means to him—and why he hopes more people will visit. “We have good food, we have great beaches, and just the natural environment is so peaceful and healing,” he said. “But more than that, I think the best part of Hawaii is the people. This land wouldn’t be the way it is without the people of Hawaii. Everyone here is Ohana. Everyone treats each other with respect and Aloha. And that’s what makes Hawaii special. That’s what we wanted to share through this movie.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or discovering the story for the first time, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch will bring audiences together with a message that never gets old: Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind.

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