SHOCKING LEAK: ‘The Last of Us’ Star Bella Ramsey Secretly Shortlisted for Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Sequel – Fans Are LOSING IT!

Wait… WHAT?! Sources close to Disney are whispering that Bella Ramsey – yeah, the fierce Ellie from The Last of Us – has made the top audition shortlist to play an older Lilo in a potential Lilo & Stitch live-action “Season 2” (aka sequel).

The community is on FIRE: Some fans are screaming “genius casting – she’d bring that raw emotion!” while others are raging “Lilo is Hawaiian! Keep it authentic!”

And the real bombshell? A leaked behind-the-scenes note allegedly hints at a major glow-up for Lilo, tying into the original’s “ohana” vibes… but Disney’s radio silent. Is this the bold reboot we need – or total chaos?

Drop your thoughts below: Team Bella or hard pass? 👇🔥

Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, released earlier this year, proved to be a massive box office hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and becoming one of the studio’s most successful remakes in recent memory. The film, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, stayed largely faithful to the 2002 animated classic while introducing some modern updates, starring newcomer Maia Kealoha as the young Lilo Pelekai and Chris Sanders reprising his voice role as the mischievous alien Stitch.

The success prompted Disney to greenlight a sequel in June 2025, with reports indicating that the studio is exploring ways to continue the story, potentially focusing on an older Lilo navigating new adventures with Stitch and her extended “ohana.” While details remain scarce, unconfirmed rumors have surfaced online suggesting that British actor Bella Ramsey, known for their roles in Game of Thrones and HBO’s The Last of Us, has been shortlisted for auditions to play Lilo in this follow-up project.

The speculation began circulating on social media platforms earlier this month, fueled by anonymous “leaks” claiming insider knowledge of casting discussions. One purported behind-the-scenes detail that’s reportedly stirring debate involves reimagining Lilo as a teenager or young adult, allowing for deeper exploration of themes like family, identity, and growing up – elements central to the original film’s heartfelt message.

Disney has not commented on the rumors, and representatives for Ramsey have declined to address the speculation. As of now, no official casting announcements have been made for the sequel, which is still in early development stages.

The potential involvement of Ramsey has sparked intense reactions among fans. On one side, supporters praise the idea as innovative casting. Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, has garnered acclaim for portraying complex, resilient characters. Their breakout role as the young noblewoman Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones showcased a commanding presence, while their lead performance as Ellie in The Last of Us earned multiple award nominations, including Emmys and Golden Globes.

Fans arguing in favor note that Ramsey’s acting range could bring emotional depth to an older Lilo, perhaps dealing with the challenges of adolescence while maintaining her bond with Stitch. “Bella has that perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Imagine them surfing with Stitch – it could be epic.”

However, the rumors have also drawn significant backlash, with many fans emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity. Lilo Pelekai is a Native Hawaiian character, and the original animated film – set in Kauai – celebrated Hawaiian culture through its storytelling, music, and representation. Maia Kealoha, who is Hawaiian and made her debut in the 2025 remake, was widely praised for embodying the role authentically at a young age.

Critics of the rumored casting argue that selecting a non-Hawaiian actor like Ramsey, who is from the UK, would undermine efforts toward accurate representation. “Lilo is iconic because she’s Hawaiian – her story is rooted in ‘ohana’ and island life,” read one viral post. “There are so many talented Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander actors who could grow into the role.”

This divide echoes past controversies in Disney remakes. For instance, the casting of Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani in the 2025 film faced scrutiny over skin tone and heritage, though Agudong has Hawaiian ancestry. Similarly, other live-action adaptations like The Little Mermaid (2023) with Halle Bailey and Snow White (2025) with Rachel Zegler sparked debates over diversity and fidelity to source material.

Disney has increasingly prioritized inclusive casting in recent projects, but the studio has also faced pushback when changes are perceived as diverging too far from originals. In the case of Lilo & Stitch, the 2025 remake was lauded for its mostly Hawaiian and Pacific Islander supporting cast and for filming on location in Hawaii, which helped ground the story culturally.

The sequel’s direction remains unclear. Some reports suggest it could draw inspiration from the animated direct-to-video follow-ups like Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005) or elements from the TV series Lilo & Stitch: The Series. Others speculate a time jump to allow for new storylines, potentially introducing more experiments or exploring Lilo’s future.

Ramsey, meanwhile, has been busy with other projects in 2025. They starred in the historical drama Monstrous Beauty and continued advocacy work for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. Rumors of interest from Disney extend beyond this project; earlier in the year, insiders claimed Ramsey was eyed for roles in Marvel and Star Wars properties, though nothing materialized.

If the Ramsey rumor holds any truth, it wouldn’t be the first time Disney considered high-profile names for unexpected roles. The studio’s live-action remakes have featured stars like Will Smith in Aladdin and Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast, often blending established talent with newcomers.

Fan petitions and discussions continue to trend online, with hashtags like #OhanaMeansFamily and #CastHawaiianLilo gaining traction. Some supporters of authentic casting have highlighted young Hawaiian actors who could age into the part or new talent discoveries.

As Disney navigates the sequel, the studio appears cautious. The massive success of the 2025 film – which outperformed expectations and became the highest-grossing live-action/animated hybrid ever – gives executives room to experiment, but alienating core fans could risk backlash.

For now, the rumors remain just that: unverified whispers in Hollywood’s rumor mill. Disney’s official silence leaves room for speculation, but whatever path the sequel takes, it will undoubtedly aim to capture the spirit that made the original enduring – the idea that family means nobody gets left behind.

The debate highlights broader conversations in entertainment about representation, creativity, and fan expectations. Whether Bella Ramsey ultimately auditions or joins the project, the discussion has already reignited passion for the Lilo & Stitch franchise ahead of any announcements.