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We cannot wait to see who will be cast in the upcoming live adaptation of “Lilo and Stitch,” the beloved 2002 animated movie about a young Hawaiian girl who befriends a blue extraterrestrial creature that she names Stitch. While this news may elicit mixed reactions from fans who are wary of remakes, we believe that a new generation deserves to experience the heartwarming story of family, identity, and friendship that “Lilo and Stitch” embodies. To whet our appetite, we offer some suggestions for the recasting of David, the social worker who supervises Lilo and tries to help her stay with her sister Nani.
For those who need a refresher, David is a young man who works at the local shelter where Stitch (or Experiment 626, as he is known to his creators) first ends up after escaping from a spaceship. Although David initially shows interest in Nani, much to Lilo’s chagrin, he later becomes a sympathetic ally to both sisters and even helps them foil the evil scheme of Jumba and Pleakley, the alien duo who come to Earth to capture Stitch. David is portrayed as kind, goofy, and somewhat hapless, but he also has a sense of responsibility and a desire to help those in need. In short, David is a lovable character who deserves to be recast with care and creativity.
Before we delve into our potential candidates for David, we want to acknowledge that we are not experts in casting, and we are aware of the challenges that come with choosing actors for diverse roles. Ideally, the recasting of David should reflect the cultural and social milieu of Hawaii, while also recognizing that race and ethnicity are not the only factors that matter. We hope that the following suggestions will inspire some discussion and reflection on what kind of David would fit best with the new version of “Lilo and Stitch.”
Our first choice for David is Randall Park. As a Korean-American actor who has appeared in such films and TV shows as “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Always Be My Maybe,” and “WandaVision,” Park has demonstrated his range and comic timing. He also has a connection to Hawaii, having lived there for some time as a child. We think that Park could bring his affable charm and relatable demeanor to the role of David, while also bringing some depth and vulnerability to the character. In addition, Park has shown that he can play both supportive and romantic roles without resorting to stereotypes or cliches, which would benefit the relationship between David and Nani.
Our second choice for David is John Cho. A Korean-American actor who is best known for his roles in the “Harold and Kumar” movies, “Star Trek” reboot series, and “Searching,” Cho has proven his versatility and talent as an actor. He also has a personal connection to the theme of family and belonging, having lost his father when he was young and grappled with his identity as a Korean-American. We think that Cho could bring some gravitas and wit to the role of David, while also highlighting the nuances of his interactions with Lilo and Stitch. Cho’s chemistry with his co-stars and his ability to convey empathy and sincerity could make David a more memorable and engaging character than in the original movie.
Our third choice for David is Jason Momoa. Although Momoa may seem like an unlikely candidate for a character who is often portrayed as less masculine or conventionally attractive, we believe that his charisma and energy could breathe new life into David. As a Native Hawaiian actor who has starred in such movies and TV shows as “Aquaman,” “Game of Thrones,” and “See,” Momoa represents a non-traditional but compelling choice for David. We think that Momoa could play up David’s quirkiness and humor, while also bringing some physicality and confidence to the role. Momoa’s presence on screen could also add some much-needed diversity and representation to the cast, as well as challenge some of the assumptions that audiences may have about who can play what kind of character.
Of course, these are just three possibilities among many actors who could play David. We encourage readers to suggest their own choices and to consider the qualities and backstory that David should have in the live adaptation. Regardless of who ends up playing David, we hope that the recasting will honor the spirit of the original movie while also bringing something fresh and relevant to the table. “Lilo and Stitch” is a classic tale of love and understanding that transcends age, ethnicity, and species, and we can’t wait to see how it will continue to inspire and entertain audiences in a new form.
