Lilo & Stitch star Maia Kealoha lands another live-action Disney movie
Lilo & Stitch 2’s Maia Kealoha has nabbed another live-action Disney role before she returns as Lilo — and you’ll want to know which project.
There must be something in the water at Disney, because Maia Kealoha is rapidly stacking up Mouse House projects before she’s even hit her late teens. If the name feels familiar, that’s because she absolutely smashed her debut as Lilo in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake last year, which turned out to be a genuine box office juggernaut.
Lilo & Stitch made over $1.03 billion worldwide during its theatrical run.
Another Live-Action Disney Gig
The latest development: Kealoha is reportedly set to star in another new live-action Disney film called Stolen Wishes. This one’s shrouded in a bit of secrecy—nothing confirmed by Disney themselves, and their PR machine isn’t saying a word. That hasn’t stopped Deadline from reporting she’s been tapped for the lead.
The man steering the ship here is Joe Nussbaum—not exactly Spielberg, but with credits on Disney Channel’s Upside-Down Magic, Just Add Magic, and Will vs. The Future, he’s got the right sort of house style. Storyline, cast list, release date? Still a mystery. Frankly, you probably know about as much as the Mouse’s executives if you’re reading this.
What She’s Been Up To
Kealoha’s not just sitting around between Disney shoots, either. Her Lilo in Lilo & Stitch wasn’t just a star-making turn—it was her first film role, and suddenly she’s a breakout Hawaiian actress with global recognition. She also had a turn as Lani Hale (daughter to Dave Bautista’s Navy SEAL character, and niece to Jason Momoa, no less) in Prime Video’s The Wrecking Crew. There's even a guest stint in an episode of Electric Bloom, just for good measure.
What’s Next for Maia Kealoha?
- Lilo & Scratch—Kealoha’s voicing Lilo in this animated short, hitting cinemas on November 25, 2026, and popping up exclusively before the Disney film Hexed.
- Nutmeg & Mistletoe—A Christmas comedy where she’s leading as Alma, set for theatrical release on December 25, 2026.
- Lilo & Stitch 2—No prizes for guessing she’s back as Lilo. Scheduled for May 26, 2028; the Mouse doesn’t waste time capitalising on a billion-dollar hit.
She’s clearly Disney’s go-to right now, even if their actual plans for Stolen Wishes are still wrapped up tighter than a Pixar plot twist. A busy few years ahead for Kealoha, and absolutely no sign that the Disney train is slowing down.