Entertainment

Disney has been accused of “blatant colourism” after revealing who will star in a live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.

Sydney Agudong – a 22-year-old who has Hawaiian ancestry – has been cast as Lilo’s older sister Nani.

But some fans say she is not representative of how Nani was depicted in the 2002 animation, where the character had darker shin, black hair and ethnic features.

One critic of the casting tweeted: “Not being Indigenous or from a PoC community, it may not be easy to see a problem with this casting, but within our communities this is a big issue.

“Nani is Indigenous Hawaiian with strong features and dark skin, this casting is blatant colourism.”

And another fan who is from the state wrote: “Listen, she’s probably a lovely woman but I can’t help but feel disappointed. I wanted Nani to look like me.”

Disney has faced criticism before over casting decisions in past live-action remakes.

More from Ents & Arts

Back in 2019, the entertainment giant was accused of whitewashing after casting Naomi Scott – a biracial British actor of Indian ancestry – as Princess Jasmine.

The original character was the only Disney princess with darker skin at the time of the animated movie’s release in 1992.

Disney is yet to comment on the criticism.

Articles You May Like

Can Saudi Arabia keep pace with its ambitious mega-project spending spree?
Week 13 Power Rankings: Notre Dame jumps, Colorado drops eight spots
SpaceX Might Get FAA Approval for 25 Starship Launches in 2025
‘When you hit profits, you hit growth’: Businesses criticise biggest budget tax increase in decades
Man arrested after shots fired ‘directly into car’ with girl, 8, and child, 2, inside