Making Waves

The 2002 animated movie Lilo & Stitch is a fan favorite. Now moviegoers are excited for the live-action version, which will be in theaters on May 23. It tells the story of a young Hawaiian girl, Lilo, who faces unexpected obstacles when she makes an odd new alien friend: Stitch.

The remake stars Maia Kealoha, 8, as Lilo. Maia was born in Hawaii. She told TIME for Kids that she felt overwhelmed with joy when she found out during a Zoom call that she’d gotten the part. “I was in shock,” she said. “I was also speechless. I was actually crying with happy tears.” The tears were partly because Maia loves Disney movies, such as the original Lilo and Stitch.

Maia has interests beyond acting. One of them is surfing: “Most of the time, I’m surfing,” she says. She also loves hula dancing. As Lilo, Maia had a chance to showcase both of these skills.

Lilo & Stitch marks Maia’s first role in a major motion picture. The experience has been “so much fun,” she says. “I love acting so much.”