SPOILERS lie forward for Lilo & Sew.
There’s been a variety of web chatter recently about live-action Disney film remakes, particularly relating to how they differ from their OG counterparts. That is definitely been the case for Lilo & Sew. As I famous in my Lilo & Sew assessment, given I am somebody who grew up on the precise proper time when the 2002 animated unique got here out, I knew the remake had a excessive bar to clear. And, whereas I feel some followers have a very good level about how Nani’s arc differs from the unique, I additionally wish to speak about how the brand new film explored a long-running fan concept about her.
There’s Been A Longtime Fan Concept About Nani In Lilo & Sew
Within the unique Lilo & Sew, 18-year-old Nani is doing the perfect she will, working service jobs and making an attempt to help Lilo nonetheless attainable following the deaths of their dad and mom. It’s closely recommended that there’s a historical past involving social employees which have given the sisters a nasty rep, and Lilo may be very near being turned over to the state. Through the years, eagle-eyed followers additionally observed that in Nani’s room, there are a ton of browsing trophies on her dresser. You may see them within the picture above.
All through the 20 years main as much as the live-action film, followers have been discussing how maybe Nani was a extremely good surfer who competed and even perhaps had a promising profession within the sport earlier than the dying of their dad and mom. When CinemaBlend spoke to the unique Nani voice actress Tia Carerre concerning the concept in 2022, she stated it was “by no means mentioned.” Nonetheless, she talked about how the character having a “tough time” is clear in her relationship with Lilo all through the film as a result of “she’s a mom determine” however “nonetheless only a younger woman herself.”
I Talked To Sydney Agudong About How The Stay-Motion Film Expands On Nani
We’ve by no means recognized for certain if Nani did quit her desires for Lilo earlier than, however the live-action Lilo & Sew does delve into this for the primary time. Within the 2025 film launch, viewers are clued into extra of Nani’s perspective, who like many ladies her age, aspires to go to school and has her personal desires. In fact, she did not plan to be Lilo’s surrogate mom, however she’s instantly thrust into the function.
Additionally, we additionally be taught that she’s so good at browsing that she will train it! It doesn’t absolutely make the idea canon, (particularly the profession half), nevertheless it undoubtedly leans into Nani’s capacity to surf greater than the unique. Plus, in a single notable change, she, moderately than David, saves Sew from drowning. And, after I requested Agudong about constructing upon the character she stated this:
I feel to have the ability to like simply usually form of create extra of that nuance and dive deeper into Nani’s arc and backstory and like our battle and stuff. And, we obtained to do a variety of the water coaching earlier than manufacturing and I obtained to do a variety of the stunts and it was actually cool to form of construct extra of Nani’s life in actual time too, so far as that goes, which was unbelievable. She’s such a robust, unbiased woman, and she or he actually is like doing her greatest to attempt to maintain the household collectively.
I feel it’s somewhat odd that she decides to go to UC San Diego for a marine biology diploma when she already lives in lovely Hawaii. Nonetheless, the brand new Lilo & Sew movie does enable room for Nani to have her personal aspirations for herself outdoors of caring for Lilo. And, due to alien expertise, it looks like she’s hanging out with Lilo actually on a regular basis with the portal ray gun.
All of the whereas, Lilo is formally being taken care of Tutu, who one producer informed us was added to the movie on account of Hawaii screenwriter Chris Vibrant feeling like Nani and Lilo wouldn’t actually be so alone in a real-life Hawaiian group.
I completely see the place some persons are dissatisfied with Nani altering her path for the live-action film as a result of by the top the sister’s are principally torn aside in spite of everything. But, on the similar time, each Sydney Agudong and I are happy that Nani’s backstory was strengthened for the 2025 model greater than earlier than. On that be aware, try Lilo & Sew in theaters now!