interview | lovie simone

jacket + skirt. Huishan Zhang
jewellery. Lady Grey

For many, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is more than a movie, it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s a story about belonging, loss, and unconditional love for family, wrapped in the spirit of Hawaii. It is arguably one of the most successful and celebrated Disney animated films of all time, so when the live-action remake was announced, expectations were high. Enter Sydney Agudong, the Kauai-born actor who took on the role of Nani, Lilo’s older sister and guardian, with a depth that’s felt throughout the entirety of the film. 

What makes Sydney’s version of Nani so resonant isn’t just her acting chops, but the profound personal connection she brings to the character. Raised in Hawaii, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ was the first film she ever fell in love with. As a toddler, she dressed up as Lilo for a local pageant, unknowingly planting the seed for a full-circle moment later. Her early love for storytelling and performing has followed her from small stages to the big screen, where her performance is now showcasing what sisterhood, love and Ohana look like on and off screen. 

Now with the film out in the world and the recent announcement that Lilo & Stitch 2 is currently underway, Sydney’s full-circle moment is resonating far beyond the islands. After the film’s release, Schön! sat down with Sydney to chat about sisterhood, her favourite Disney songs, and her special connection to ‘Lilo and Stitch’. 

First of all, congratulations on the massive success ‘Lilo and Stitch’ has been – holding the number one spot for the third week in a row…

It still is?! I actually didn’t know that, that’s so cool!

With filming having wrapped over a year ago, how does it feel to see the success now that it’s been out for a few weeks?

It feels very validating not just for myself and all the creatives – Maia, Dean, and everybody surrounding the project – but it’s also very validating to see so much support in Hawaii specifically. It’s been incredible. Knowing that I believed in Nani in a way that was kind of refreshing, and we were able to go deeper into Nani’s character because it wasn’t just an exact animation to live action. They wanted to take a little more of a spin on it and give way to Nani’s arc and the parenthood aspect of things, she was a caretaker, and I grasped onto that.

Seeing the amount of comments, reviews, and people coming up to me and DMing me and saying, “I don’t think you understand how much this means to me / I felt like I saw myself as a mom.” I’m getting moms coming up to me, and that’s been so huge because my parents have sacrificed so much for me. All of this just makes me feel like everything was worth it, beyond the fact that this is a dream role. 

Before we get into Stitch, I want to go back a little bit. What was it like growing up in Hawaii? At what point did you decide you wanted to pursue acting?

The first time I was ever on stage was for a ‘healthy baby contest’ and it was at the Kauai County Fair on a little small island and I was like one and a half years old. I had just watched ‘Lilo and Stitch’ for the first time, so this is just a huge full-circle moment for me – that was the first time I had ever been on stage. I was in love with Lilo and I dressed up as her on stage, and she gave me this confidence.

There’s a picture of me from that night, kind of almost letting go of my mom’s hand, and it was the first time that my mom had ever realized that I wasn’t afraid of being on stage, and I genuinely loved it. I didn’t really realize what was going on, but there was some sort of connection there. Growing up we did pageants like that one and we also did sports during the day, and so there was always some type of stage. I think I was around 8 or 10 years old when I started pursuing acting and theatre, and I brought my sister along with that too. 

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shoes. Dries Van Noten
jewellery. Christina Caruso

Do you remember your first ever audition? 

Yeah, I do! I was in a dinner theatre show on Kauai as well, and it was for South Pacific. I was 7 years old when I first auditioned for it, and I think I ended up doing it when I was 8. I was one of the little French daughters. I had to go and figure out French, and I sang a song, and I would do that every Wednesday night. It was my first paid gig, and it was so much fun. I was surrounded by a bunch of people whom I looked up to, and they took me in like a little sister. I remember each night I would go return my mic and then look around at all the tables to see if there were any untouched desserts [laughs].

Oh my gosh, that’s adorable, and in a way kind of reminds me a bit of Lilo!

Oh my gosh, totally. You’re so right! 

I read in another interview that Lilo and Stitch was the first film you ever fell in love with– what is your earliest memory of the film?

There are a few, but the one that always comes back to me for some reason is the moment that Lilo is leaving and waiting for Nani, and then Myrtle and her friends come up and make fun of her because they all of their dolls, and Lilo has Scrump and she loves it. She realizes Nani isn’t coming, and the next thing you know, the sequence is Nani running towards and realizes Lilo isn’t at school, and she ends up kicking Cobra Bubbles’ car.

I feel like that was the moment that I realized I really understood Lilo and I understood Lilo and Nani’s relationship then. I think, especially with the Myrtle moment, it was a very big moment for me in school when you get bullied, and feel that the things that you loved aren’t okay. Now I have my own Scrump that my sister made for me [laughs].

Can you talk to me about what you felt the moment you learned you’d be playing Nani in the live-action? 

I say this in other interviews, but I can’t come up with any other word other than surreal, and eternally grateful. It’s one of those things where you count your blessings. It’s such a full circle moment for me because I wanted to quit acting right before, and I got this audition in November of 2022, which is around my birthday. I was in a low place at the time and feeling lost. I had just gotten so many rejections, and then this came along and I just laughed, because I thought there was no way. It was just funny, the thought that this would be the audition that I would turn down and quit acting. 

It was daunting. It’s such a huge role in a huge beloved movie, and I didn’t want to do it a disservice. I think the only thing that made me turn around and want to pursue the audition was the fact that I had been Lilo, and I understood that. I saw Lilo in my younger sister, and when I read the breakdown for Nani, I connected to it in a way that I couldn’t explain. I realized that she loved the same way that I did, and she wasn’t perfect. She needs things to get done in a certain way, but she does it with the utmost love and strength, and she’s so fearless. Those were the things that I’ve always strived to be as a sister, and I just wanted to do this audition for me. I didn’t expect to get anything out of it. I didn’t expect to get a callback, nothing. 

coat + shirt. N°21
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dress. Altuzarra
shoes. Y-3 Adidas

Wait – sorry to derail the conversation for a minute, but you mentioned your birthday is in November – are you a Scorpio?

Yes!!! 

I’m also a Scorpio!

Oh my gosh, I love that!

It’s funny because it’s obvious that Nani has a lot more depth in the live-action, but I was watching the film and I thought to myself at one point “Nani must be a Scorpio.”

Oh my gosh, I LOVE THAT! That’s so cool, wow. I mean, you saw something, right?

We know! Scorpios have a hard exterior but we’re so soft and emotional. 

Totally, and there’s so much passion there and strength. They’re misunderstood, and sometimes they can be quiet, but at the same time, we want to share it. That’s so cool. I don’t think I ever thought about that with Nani, but I totally agree. 

‘Lilo and Stitch’ is arguably one of the most iconic and successful Disney animated films of all time. Did you feel a lot of pressure taking on such an iconic character, especially since the film means a lot to you personally?

A lot of when I was filming felt like ‘art imitating life, life imitating art.’ And that was going through my head the entire time because I think that, had I not had the experience I had before filming, I wouldn’t be here. Or I wouldn’t have been able to get the roles that I have gotten, including this role. During the time that I was filming, there was a massive load of pressure, for sure. It was one of those things that just made me a better person, and it made me a better actor.

I think the reason I was able to overcome that was from the support that I had on set and off set – I was at home, in Hawaii. All of my fears were stemming from my childhood and being bullied, or the internet. As soon as I let go of that and looked around, I realized I was home and had everything that I needed. I ran with that. And Nani taught me a lot too, and that was a really big thing. I think just being able to pour myself into the relationship itself and hang onto my relationship with my sister Siena throughout the whole film. To be able to focus her character on her relationship with Lilo, and the relationship that Maia and I created is its sister bond that I will forever hold, it made everything just blissful.  

Disney made the right choice casting you and Maia together– your chemistry is undeniable. 

I know, I am so grateful. Thank you. 

Do you remember the first time you met her? Did the two of you connect right away?

Yeah, we did! I remember the first time I saw her I thought to myself, “Oh my gosh, she looks just like her [Lilo].” Recently, our chemistry read photo resurfaced, and I had no idea how young she was! I always said I was so afraid to see her again because a lot of time had passed, and I thought I was going to cry or vomit [laughs]. I was just not ready to see her so grown up. But she’s still got the same type of spirit and energy and love and joy in her heart, it’s just been so nice to see her again.

I remember when we walked into the chemistry read together, I think one of the first things I noticed was that she was just so goofy and confident. I remember her leading her mom around, she was the one that was owning the show. Dean and I were in the chemistry read, and Dean said, “Okay we’re going to do a little bit of Improv,” and she said, “What’s that?” Dean said, “It’s like make believe, and we’re going to create this experience together and you’re going to play with Stitch, and this is your sister.” She was endless in her imagination. There was never a moment where she said “Okay that’s all I have…” No. That, for a kid, is incredible. That taught me a lot, I was so immediately blown away by her. And then we’re in the green room, and she gets bored and asks her mom to turn on her Tahitian music and starts dancing Hula in the green room [laughs]. I was like, “This girl is the best, I love her.” And her hips do not lie [laughs]. She’s insane. 

dress. Dolce & Gabbana
jewellery. Lady Grey
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blazer, shirt + shoes. Ralph Lauren
denim shirt. Jean Paul Gaultier
shorts. AKNVAS
jewellery. Ritique Jewelry

You have grown up with a younger sister, and this story means so much to those of us who have grown up with such a special bond with our sisters. What was it like bringing this story to life in a new way with Maia, and what do you hope people take away from this film?

I hope they see our real relationship on screen. I hope that they can see that, while I know it’s a movie, all of us on and off screen who were a part of this movie, not just Maia and I, really created a true family in the process. I think it shows. I hope people take away the fact that family is not perfect and it doesn’t have to look a specific way, and that you feel like you belong somewhere.

I think it shows in the arc that Maia and I have with Nani and Lilo – they aren’t perfect, but I hope that people find the little moments where it was just Sydney and Maia on screen and it was captured. I hope that people are able to see themselves in that, and maybe appreciate their family a little bit more and realize that nobody is perfect and that is okay. 

The hammock scene where you sing to Lilo was so beautiful. I know you’re a musical person as well, and Disney has a way at pulling on heartstrings through music. Other than ‘Lilo and Stitch’, what are some of your favourite Disney songs or soundtracks? 

Oh my gosh! Before I had gone through everything and before I had done any of the interviews, I had been saying ‘Mulan’ a lot. That is still true to this day. The song where she’s learning with bamboo – and then “Reflection” was a huge one for me growing up. I didn’t know who I was, and I still don’t, hence the whole Jane Doe thing with my music. I think there’s something to be said about opening up the truth in that sort of way and being authentic in that sort of fear. I think there are colours on the other side of the grey. Now, I think it was Courtney who reminded me of ‘Tangled’, it was “When Will My Life Begin,” so good! So bittersweet, so hopeful, pulling at your heartstring type of song. And Mandy Moore is incredible!

I know you have some other projects in the works, do you hope to take on more acting roles where you can sing as well?

Funny you say that, Yes! I just recently finished a project called “Ripple,” I was lucky enough to do it with some of the most beautiful and talented souls. We just finished this last fall/winter in Toronto, and it’s basically about these four strangers who live in New York City, and they all have their own struggles. The log line is basically how everyone is intertwined, and how you can create a ripple effect on someone else without even knowing that you’re doing it.

My character is Aria, she is a struggling twenty-something-year-old who is trying to pursue music, and has the utmost social anxiety and impostor syndrome. She is very self-sabotaging and it cripples her. At the same time, she has found her love for wanting to feel like she has a purpose in the world and feeling like she’s connected, and she thinks that she wants to be a mom. It’s a wonderful series that I hope we get to see soon on screen. Frankie Faison is in it. Ian Harding from ‘Pretty Little Liars’, Julia Chan – they play the other 3 of the core 4. It’s just a beautiful story of interconnectedness and feeling like you’re a piece of a puzzle, but still a big piece, and at the end of the day, you matter. I think it’s a needed series, and I got to bring in some of my original songs, and that’s been insane. 

What are you most looking forward to this year and beyond?

One of the biggest things that this project has brought me is confidence, becoming a better person and having a wider scope on life. Feeling like I can take back my control and my place of belonging. I am excited to see where this sense of bliss and peace takes me. I feel like a new person in the way of re-gauging my ability to achieve, and I am excited to put fear down. I am excited to work on music, and put music out, which has been a huge dormant thing for years. I feel like I have opened my eyes up again, and I am excited to take gratitude with me everywhere I go, really, and be home while I’m doing it, which is kinda cool.

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jewellery. Ritique Jewelry
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top. Versace
jewellery. Ritique Jewelr

‘Lilo and Stitch’ is out now.

photography. Andrew Thompson
fashion. Tatiana Cinquino
talent. Sydney Agudong
casting. Alabama Blonde
hair. Anthony Campbell @ A-frame Agency
make up. Camille Thompson @ The Wall Group
production. Clara La Rosa
video. Andrew Thompson
fashion assistant. Camilla Lesyk
studio. Meadow Studio
interview. Rachel Martin

The 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix was the place to be from 3 – 6 July. Held at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, the grounds were also home to Silverstone festival, an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the bustle of motorsport with a thrilling lineup of racing and live music.  The VIP experience in particular gave guests an exciting glimpse of the paddock to see teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren up close (and potentially catch a glimpse of legends like Lewis Hamilton if you’re lucky.) 

The event truly captured the festival vibe with camping and a hotel on site, a live marching band and a Red Bull skate ramp. There was also a restaurant with a jacuzzi if that tickles your fancy. The staff at Silverstone were a particular highlight, making an effort to give a warm and friendly welcome to guests.

Taking place at the peak of British summer, Silverstone festival’s lineup featured some of the best of UK talent from Sam Fender and Mabel to Jade and Raye, who also features on the ‘F1’ film soundtrack. Raye gave a stunningly cinematic performance spanning across her entire discography. She showcased courageous vulnerability on songs like ‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Ice Cream Man,’ ignited the dance floor with her viral anthem ‘Prada’ and brought spellbinding drama with ‘Escapism.’ The combination of iconic performances and world class sport makes Silverstone festival a must-see for F1 fans keen to catch the live action surrounded by other enthusiasts.

photography. Lee Floyd
words. Shama Nasinde

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey performs live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)

In the age of hyper stimulation, catching Lana Del Rey live may just be the antidote. On her opening night at London’s Wembley stadium, she gave a calm and present performance of some of her most coveted hits from ‘Video Games’ to ‘Summertime Sadness’. Under the grip of Lana’s gentle command, we have never seen a stadium audience remain so still as her angelic vocals rippled through the crowd. Her performance style may be reserved but she always delivers vocally. Arguably, being such a serene superstar is part of her lasting allure. 

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey performs live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)

In such a vast stadium setting, however, there was a lack of dynamism from Lana herself, as she often opted to perform sitting down, standing stationary or as a hologram. The pulse of the set was maintained by her ensemble which included a string band, soulful backgrounds singers —whose voices were particularly impressive during solo moments — and her lyrical dancers who climbed willow trees and stripper poles with grace while dressed in flowing drapes of white.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey and Addison Rae perform live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)

The set design of the tour featured cloudy blue skies, starry nights and a quaint American house which eventually lit with flames, evoking themes of nostalgic Americana that Lana has become known for. Ultimately, this tour was an ode to Lana’s artistic legacy and influence. This was perfectly represented in her opening act, and Schön!’s 2025 Rising Star, Addison Rae. Towards the end of the night, Addison would re-appear on stage to duet with Lana on her breakout song ‘Diet Pepsi.’ The hit is undoubtedly Lana-coded, making for a heartwarming nod to the star’s cultural impact. 

photography. Gareth Cattermole
words. Shama Nasinde