Lindsay Barr, Associated Press
Many of the big films this summer may come from familiar places, whether it’s a franchise, a sequel or a hybrid adaptation of a beloved animated classic. However, if you look closely, you will see a considerable number of fresh faces, featuring fresh and old characters.
The Associated Press spoke to 10 actors about their roles.
Sidney Elyzebes Agdon and Maia Kiroha from “Lilo & Stitch”
Maia Kiroha, 6 years old, saw an ad for an open casting call for the new hybrid “Lilo & Stitch” movie and immediately told her parents that she wanted to do. Currently eight years old and born on Big Island, Hawaii, Kealoha is making his film debut as a lively Lilo in Disney’s new live-action adaptation, which will be hitting theaters on May 23rd.
“It was so amazing,” Kealoha said. “I was really proud of myself.”
Sidney Elyzebeth Agdon, who plays Lilo’s sister and caregiver Nani, praised her young co-star.
“Building the world with her was amazing,” said Agudong, 24. “It’s a lot of CGI, we worked with aliens and others, and she was full of imagination and creativity.”
Augdon, originally from Kauai, also played a role in the open casting call. Being a part of the film was a special experience as a lifelong fan of the animated version and a proud Hawaiian resident.
“Hawaii is very similar to tough love and soft hearts,” Agdon said. “We really created a family. Hopefully people can see it.”
Gilmore Boys from Happy Gilmore 2
Happy Gilmore is the father of the sequel that will arrive on Netflix on July 25th. The Gilmore Boys, played by Ethan Kat Cosky (“Shameless”), Connor Shelley (“Shake Shack”), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (professional wrestler), and newcomer Philip Schneider, said “Just Goon.”
Everything came to the strangers of the project, but they are all familiar with the grown-up films. And everyone except Friedman, 29, had to prove they had a bit of skill on the ice.
“I looked like a fool, so they thought I was OK with the link,” Friedman laughed.
The four actors quickly found the rhythm on the set in Jersey City with the rough, troubled rhythms that Gilmore spawned during the four-month filming.
“It was so amazing to have created our family with a fast pace of stupidity we reached,” said Cutkosky, 25. “It’s really hard to get it.”
Friedman added: “In between scenes, we were able to look at each other, find out what we were thinking, and make each other laugh without talking.”
Schneider, 24, attributed the vibe to his on-screen father, Adam Sandler, making the entire set feel like family. His genius Schneider said, “It’s just that he gets the people he wants to work with and sees what happens. He trusts chemistry.”
For Shelley, early in his career, he was able to see how Sandler was a giant in the industry and was very humble.
“That’s a dream, right? Balance both,” said Shelly, 24.
“Sorry, Baby” Eva Victor
One of the breakout movies from Sundance was “Sorry, Baby.” This was an interesting and shattering drama about the aftermath of a traumatic event. This is the feature debut of Triple Release Eva Victor, who wrote, directed and starred as Agnes, a New England school alumnus.
“I wanted to make a film that made me feel stuck when everyone around you kept moving.
Having played a recurring role in “Billions,” Victor was creating and writing short comedy videos online online to cut back on satirical websites when Oscar-winning “Moonlight” filmmaker Barry Jenkins sent a message to them and asked them if they had a script. The script will now take place in theaters on June 27th through A24.
“I hope we find people when we need a movie,” Victor said.
Ben Wang from “Karate Kid: Legend”
Ben Wang didn’t know he would stand up to the roughly 10,000 people fighting to play the new karate kid.
The 25-year-old actor is best known for his role in the Disney+ series “American-Born Chinese”, but he learned it after the fact. But it was a stressful month of not sleeping very well while waiting to ask if he had got it, he said.
“Karate Kid: Legends” (May 30) will bring together Han of Jackie Chan and Daniel Larusso of Ralph Macchio for this new entry.
“It’s fun to play,” Wang said. “And I can try and kick Jackie Chan. This is new and exciting for me.”
Nico Parker from “How to Train Your Dragon”
Nico Parker grew up in both books and films of “How to Train Your Dragon.” So my dream came true when I got the opportunity to play Astrid in a new live-action adaptation (June 13th).
“It’s difficult when you have this amazing version of Astrid already,” said Parker, 20. “The main thing I really wanted to spread to everything was how driven she was and how it wasn’t easy. It takes effort, skill and determination.”
Parker, the daughter of actor Tandiwe Newton and director Or Parker, has been involved in her lifetime sets. She was only 11 years old when she filmed Tim Burton’s “Dumbo.” But she said she feels this is different.
“I feel like getting older is acknowledging more of what that means,” she said. “And I’m more stressed about it.”
Benjamin Pajak from “Chuck’s Life”
Filmmaker Mike Flanagan cannot be accused of assuming Benjamin Pajak of being a skilled dancer. Pajack made his Broadway debut as Winthrop in “Music Man” with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. However, when he asks Pajac, now 14, he gets in the way that the dance is not his strong suit.
But you’ll never see him waltz and samba in “The Life of Chuck” (June 6th).
“Movies are very different from theaters,” Pajac said. “But so many people lifted me up and helped me through the process.”
One of them was Mark Hamill, who played his grandfather. Perhaps even more exciting than taking part in a movie? Share the scene with Luke Skywalker.
“Superman” Crypto
Superman’s very good boy Crypto may be a computer-generated creation, but the inspiration was a very realistic dog. Ozoo rescues film director James Gunn. Ozoo destroyed his shoes, furniture and even his laptop. Gunn, who worked on writing “Superman,” said, “How difficult would it be if Oz had a superpower?”
That’s why Crypto changed the story and script and became part of the latest “Superman” (July 11th). The white puppy appears prominently in the film trailer. Earlier this year in a Puppy Bowl, Gunn said Crypto was adorable and pranky, and had all the powers of Superman – yes, he can fly too.
