The Ohana Files: 15+ Lilo & Stitch Characters—From Experiment 626 To The $1 Billion Live-Action Cast
The enduring charm of the Lilo & Stitch franchise is experiencing a massive resurgence, making the characters more relevant than ever in late 2025. The success is largely fueled by the recent live-action remake, which has not only introduced the beloved Hawaiian mythology and the concept of ohana to a new generation but also became a monumental box office hit, crossing the $1 billion mark globally. This renewed interest is shining a spotlight on the full cast of characters, from the core Pelekai family to the countless wacky genetic experiments of Dr. Jumba Jookiba.
As of December 22, 2025, the buzz around the recently confirmed live-action sequel is high, with fans eager to see how the new cast will continue the story and introduce more of Stitch’s 626 cousins. Understanding the full cast—both the original animated icons and the actors bringing them to life—is key to appreciating the depth of this intergalactic Hawaiian saga. The following is a deep dive into the most essential characters and the latest updates from the blockbuster film.
The Core Ohana: Lilo, Stitch, and the Pelekai Family (Live-Action Cast Update)
The heart of the entire Lilo & Stitch story lies with a small, unconventional family living on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Their journey of healing and finding belonging through the alien "dog" Stitch established the franchise's powerful theme of ohana, meaning family, and that family means no one gets left behind.
- Lilo Pelekai: The lonely, eccentric, but fiercely loyal young girl who adopts Stitch. Her belief in *ohana* is what ultimately saves Experiment 626 and all his cousins. In the 2025 live-action film, Lilo is portrayed by the talented newcomer Maia Kealoha.
- Stitch (Experiment 626): The blue, six-limbed, four-eyed, highly destructive, but ultimately good-hearted genetic experiment. Created by Jumba Jookiba, his primary function was to destroy everything. He learns the meaning of family through Lilo. The original voice actor, Chris Sanders, returned to voice Stitch in the 2025 live-action version, maintaining continuity for the iconic character.
- Nani Pelekai: Lilo’s older sister and legal guardian. Nani is constantly struggling to keep her family together, often juggling multiple jobs (like a surfboard rental clerk, as seen in the animated sequels) while trying to provide a stable home for Lilo. The live-action Nani is played by Sydney Agudong, and she has already provided an update on the upcoming sequel.
The live-action film also featured a significant role for Mrs. Kekoa, a new character played by Tia Carrere—the original voice of Nani. This casting choice was a clever nod to the franchise's history, strengthening the bond between the original and modern versions.
The Galactic Trio: Jumba, Pleakley, and the Controversial Gantu Change
The alien characters are the driving force behind the chaos and comedy in the franchise. Their presence connects the small-town Hawaiian setting to the larger Galactic Federation universe.
- Dr. Jumba Jookiba: The self-proclaimed "evil genius" who created all 626 genetic experiments. Despite his title, he has a fatherly devotion to Stitch and eventually becomes a permanent, if eccentric, member of the Pelekai household. In the 2025 live-action film, Jumba is played by Zach Galifianakis.
- Agent Wendy Pleakley: A one-eyed, three-legged Galactic Federation agent originally sent to Earth to monitor Jumba. Pleakley is a master of disguise (albeit a terrible one) and often serves as Jumba’s comedic foil. The live-action cast includes Billy Magnussen in a currently undisclosed role, with the voice actor for Pleakley yet to be widely confirmed, though the character’s return is expected.
- Captain Gantu: The massive, disgruntled former captain of the Galactic Federation who served as the main antagonist for much of the animated series, tasked with capturing all the experiments. A major point of discussion among fans is that the 2025 live-action film made the controversial decision to cut the character Gantu entirely. This move has been noted by critics as creating a major issue for introducing future experiments, as Gantu was the primary agent responsible for their capture in the original continuity.
Jumba's Most Powerful Experiments: Stitch's "Cousins" and Their Functions
The vast universe of *Lilo & Stitch* expands exponentially with the introduction of the 626 genetic experiments, often referred to as Stitch’s cousins. Each experiment has a unique number and a specific, destructive function, designed by Jumba Jookiba with funding from the diminutive villain Dr. Jacques von Hämsterviel.
To establish topical authority, here are some of the most popular and powerful experiments, beyond Stitch (Experiment 626), that fans hope to see in the live-action sequel:
Experiment 624 (Angel)
Angel, or Experiment 624, is one of the most popular characters in the franchise. She is Stitch's romantic partner and possesses a unique and powerful ability: a Siren Song. This song can turn any experiment created before her (Experiments 001 through 623) from good to evil, and back again if the song is played in reverse. While she was initially designed to be evil, she eventually reforms and joins the extended Pelekai *ohana*.
Experiment 627 (Evile)
Experiment 627, often called Evile, is a highly dangerous creation designed by Jumba to be an improved version of Stitch, possessing "extra everything, including evil." Evile has all of Stitch's enhanced physical attributes, including superior strength, speed, and durability, but also has additional powers like flame-throwing and diamond-based powers, making him significantly more malicious. He was a major threat in the animated series, proving that Jumba’s creations only got more potent.
Experiment 625 (Reuben)
Reuben, or Experiment 625, is often seen working alongside Captain Gantu (before Gantu’s controversial removal from the 2025 film). While possessing all of Stitch's immense powers, Reuben is notoriously lazy and his primary function is to make sandwiches. He is a fan-favorite for his dry wit and constant complaining, providing comic relief despite his fearsome potential.
Experiment 509 (Sprout)
Sprout, Experiment 509, is a less-known but equally destructive creation. His primary function is to spawn into an uncontrollable killer forest. Activated by water, Sprout grows rapidly into a massive, deadly plant that can quickly engulf entire areas, showcasing the sheer variety of Jumba's genetic experiments and the environmental threats they pose to Earth.
Experiment 629 (Leroy)
Leroy, or Experiment 629, is the final major experiment created in the franchise. He is essentially a red-furred clone of Stitch, created by Dr. Hämsterviel to lead an army of Leroy clones and capture all the other experiments. Leroy possesses abilities almost identical to Stitch, including limited shapeshifting, and serves as the ultimate final challenge to the *ohana* in the movie *Leroy & Stitch*.
The overwhelming success of the 2025 live-action remake, which became the first film of the year to top $1 billion at the global box office, has cemented *Lilo & Stitch* as a powerhouse franchise. The focus is now on the sequel, which will undoubtedly expand the universe, introduce more of these fascinating genetic experiments, and continue to explore the powerful, unifying message of *ohana* that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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