Disney’s beloved tale of a very special Ohana is getting a reboot as Lilo & Stitch has been announced as the latest project from the House of Mouse to get the live-action treatment.
Debuting in 2002, we first met Lilo and Stitch alongside Nani, Cobra Bubbles, Jumba, Pleakley, and more as the unlikely friends began forming a bond that would change the lives of everyone around them.
With the news of a reboot comes new casting choices, and as fans have begun learning who is taking on the role of such iconic Disney characters, many opinions have been shared across social media in the last couple of days. A big question fans had was what happened to Bubbles as casting news saw a new child services agent being added to the mix. Jolene Purdy is joining Lilo and Stitch as child services agent Mrs. Kekoa, and fans were distraught at the idea that we’d have a reboot without one of the most beloved Disney characters ever.
Things changed ever-so-slightly when news broke this afternoon that Bubbles is back, but it’s not the warm welcome fans were initially hoping to hand over, and here’s why. Ving Rhames was the voice of the iconic character, who appeared even to be molded after the actor, but Rhames isn’t the one who will be portraying the child services agent in the live-action reboot. Instead, Courtney Vance has landed the role.
Now, Vance is a talented actor with many accolades and has breathed life into some incredible characters in the entertainment realm, and no one can deny that. In fact, it seems strange to be upset about bringing such talent into the Lilo & Stitch realm, but with a character as iconic as Bubbles, fans are wondering why Disney isn’t casting Rhames in the role he helped shape initially.
Much of the chatter surrounding Vance’s casting is positive, and rightfully so; it’s important to note that fans know he’s more than capable of bringing something unique to the role. The thing is, it just feels wrong not to get Rhames back for the live-action retelling; it almost feels like a disservice.
Fans are trying to understand the reasoning behind the decision, but it isn’t easy.
Almost any gif of Rhames fits the narrative of Cobra Bubbles; how can we not be curious (and a little disappointed) about him not getting the part?
Fans point out that bringing Rhames back would literally be “perfect” live-casting, and they’re not wrong.
While it seems like a no-brainer to cast Rhames in the role, this Twitter user says that no one really knows if Rhames has turned down the role or what his opinion on a reboot may be. It’s possible he was asked but said no for whatever reason. While fans are ready to cause a stir — and rightfully so — everyone might want to hold onto their spoons for just a moment.
Ultimately, fans are excited that Bubbles is still part of the Lilo & Stitch realm because let’s face it — the movies wouldn’t be the same without him. While Lilo and Stitch are both iconic characters, you can’t think of the film without thinking of Bubbles, he carved out a die-hard fan base, and they’re still holding a candle for him.
We’re excited to see what Vance brings to the character, but we’ll always save a piece of our hearts for Rhames as Cobra Bubbles.
Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch is slated for a 2024 release, and we can’t wait to see it.
