Considered one of my favourite issues about live-action Disney film remakes is how they discover methods to pay tribute to the unique voice actors, and I like that this development continues with the brand new Lilo & Sew film. So, I actually need to speak about how the unique Nani, Tia Carrere, turned concerned within the 2025 Lilo & Sew, particularly after getting an opportunity to speak to her about her journey into taking part in Mrs. Kekoa.
SPOILERS are forward!
When The Lilo & Sew Remake Was Introduced, Tia Carerre Had A Position In Thoughts For Herself
Again in 2022, previous to the brand new Lilo & Sew coming into manufacturing, when Jon M. Chu was initially connected to direct reasonably than Dean Fleischer Camp, CinemaBlend caught up with Tia Carrere concerning the animated film in celebration of it turning 20 years previous. On the time, right here’s what she stated about how she’d prefer to be concerned within the live-action film:
I may play like an previous Tutu with a muumuu. I am gonna see if I could make my approach in. I believe that may be nice if we did cameos only for the true cinephiles to go ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Nani! That’s David!’ You realize what I imply?
On the time, Carrere was excited by the concept of creating an easier and comedic cameo alongside the unique David, performed by Jason Scott Lee, who truly ended up taking part in the restaurant supervisor within the live-action film. Little did she know she’d be given much more concerned position when the film was filmed a 12 months later!
Why The New Position For Lilo & Sew’s Authentic Nani Makes ‘Good Sense’ To The Actress
After I spoke with Carrere (together with doing interviews with the entire Lilo & Sew solid) about what she stated just a few years in the past relating to the position she initially needed towards what she was truly given within the new film, she appeared very proud of the consequence. Fairly than merely being an easter egg to nod to the unique, she bought to play a brand new social employee character named Mrs. Kekoa, who will get to satisfy straight with the brand new Nani, performed by Sydney Agudong, and helps her out. Right here’s what Carrere stated in our interview:
They would not give me the a part of Tutu I actually needed. Effectively, it makes good sense. From being the lady that wants some mentoring that is form of all over and desires slightly little bit of assist in her life to being the girl that claims, you realize what, let’s simply discover, break this down and take a look at the issues it’s worthwhile to do for a profitable life. And type of mentor that younger, messy lady. It is form of the place I’m in my life now as a girl. And to have the ability to play that as Mrs. Kekoa to Nani, it makes good sense in my thoughts.
As Carrere additionally spoke about in our first interview, Lilo & Sew’s plotline between its sisters was actually forward of its time, between “ushering in inclusivity” and that includes a sensible sister relationship that’s actively coping with the repercussions of their mother and father’ demise.
Whereas the adjustments relating to Nani in the end going to school in San Diego and permitting their neighbor of Tutu to care for Lilo has rubbed some followers the improper approach, the film does additionally permit for Nani’s arc to develop, and even will get right into a longtime idea about the character’s love of browsing. How candy is it that each Nani actresses bought strong elements within the new film?