A casting report from scooper Daniel Richtman says Disney’s live-action sequel wants a 9- to 10-year-old girl to play Nellie, a new kid in Hawaii who befriends Lilo. Disney hasn’t confirmed it.
Lilo might be getting a new friend.
That’s the rumor, anyway.
Scooper Daniel Richtman reported that Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 is casting a new lead character named Nellie, per Cosmic Book News on Sept. 30, 2026. Richtman shared the details on his Patreon. ComicBook.com covered the report on Oct. 1 and called it unconfirmed.
Disney hasn’t announced the character, and no trade outlet has reported it. So for now, Nellie lives in rumor land.
Who is Nellie in Lilo & Stitch 2?
Per the casting description reported by Cosmic Book News:
She’s 9 to 10 years old.
She’s a “fast-talking young girl” who just moved to Hawaii with her parents from a big city.
She’s described as “bright-eyed, inquisitive, effortlessly popular and naturally cool.”
She befriends Lilo, meets Stitch and wants to learn more about her new home.
If that’s accurate, Nellie sounds like a big part of the story, since the report calls her a lead.
Is Nellie based on Victoria from the Lilo & Stitch TV series?
Some fans think so, per ComicBook.com. Victoria is a character from the animated TV series who became one of Lilo’s close friends.
That would make sense. Lilo spends much of the original movie without a friend her age, so giving her one in the sequel would be a natural next step. Still, nothing official ties Nellie to Victoria.
When does Lilo & Stitch 2 come out?
May 26, 2028. Disney announced the date at its D23 showcase on Aug. 14, 2026.
Chris Sanders is directing. Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the 2002 animated original, and he voices Stitch.
The sequel will also bring Angel, also known as Experiment 624, into live action for the first time. Angel first appeared in the animated TV series and became a fan favorite.
Where is Lilo & Stitch 2 filming?
On Oahu, Hawaii, through Dec. 17, 2026, according to the casting details Cosmic Book News reported. That’s part of the same unconfirmed report.
The first live-action movie was also filmed in Hawaii.
Who’s coming back for Lilo & Stitch 2?
Disney hasn’t officially confirmed the full returning cast, per Bleeding Cool’s D23 report.
Cosmic Book News and ComicBook.com both list Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Cosmic Book News also lists Sydney Agudong as Nani and Sanders as the voice of Stitch. Treat those as reported, not official.
Some fans are also hoping Captain Gantu finally shows up. He was left out of the first live-action film, and ComicBook.com notes fans are still unhappy about it.
Is Lilo & Stitch 2 the same as Stitch Has a Glitch?
No. Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch is a 2005 animated movie that went straight to video. The new Lilo & Stitch 2 is the live-action sequel to the 2025 remake.
The original 2002 movie led to a whole family of follow-ups: Stitch! The Movie, Stitch Has a Glitch, Leroy & Stitch and Lilo & Stitch: The Series, which is where Angel and Victoria come from.
We’ll update if Disney confirms Nellie or announces new casting.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Cosmic Book News (Sept. 30, 2026), Daniel Richtman’s Nellie casting details and filming dates
ComicBook.com (Oct. 1, 2026), the unconfirmed status, the Victoria theory and Gantu
Bleeding Cool (Aug. 14, 2026), the release date, director and Angel
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