Lilo is such an unapologetic little freak

ACTRESS Sydney Agudong was not even two years old when the animated Disney movie Lilo & Stitch came out in 2002. Now, 23 years on, she's starring as the co-lead in the live-action remake and it's a "big moment" for her.

- WITH ELLA WALKER

Sydney plays Nani Pelekai, the elder sister and guardian of the titular Lilo (played by the adorable and ridiculously talented nine-year-old Maia Kealoha when filming started, she wasn't actually able to read her lines). "I've been a fan since I was very, very, very little -one and a half. I saw myself as Lilo," says the now 24-year-old, who adds when she became a big sister herself, she remembers feeling as though she'd stepped into the role of Nani. "I had always looked up to Nani, and being able to play her felt very fulfilling."

Maia and Sydney were both born in Hawaii; Maia was raised on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Sydney hails from Kaua'i, and the new movie was filmed on Oahu.

It was something of a homecoming for Sydney. "Throughout the production, I was able to regain my childhood and come back home and feel a sense of belonging again, which is exactly what we love in Stitch," says the actress, who is also a singer-songwriter.

Based on the success of the original Lilo & Stitch which grossed $273million (£203m) worldwide, having been made for just $80 million, and was nominated for an Oscar for best animated feature film - the chances are, this new version will similarly be taken into film fans' hearts.