Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake is poised to break Memorial Day weekend records with a $55 million opening day, signaling a major comeback for the studio’s live-action adaptations.
Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” is off to a phenomenal start, on track to achieve the biggest Memorial Day weekend opening in history. After raking in $55 million from Friday and preview screenings alone, the film is already the second-highest opening day of 2025, trailing only April’s “Minecraft Movie,” which debuted at $57.1 million.
“Lilo & Stitch” Success
Premiering at 4,110 theaters across the U.S., “Lilo & Stitch” is outperforming expectations and putting Disney back in the spotlight after a string of underwhelming live-action releases. The film’s success comes as a much-needed boost, especially following the commercial failure of “Snow White,” which grossed just $204 million worldwide against a steep $250 million production budget earlier this year.
Unlike “Snow White,” which was a remake of a nearly 90-year-old animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch” draws from more recent source material. The original animated film debuted in 2002 and grossed $273 million globally. Remarkably, the 2025 remake is on pace to surpass that lifetime gross within its first weekend alone. In fairness, movie tickets cost more now, which is inflating the gross revenue.
The new version also benefits from a more modest production budget of $100 million, making its early box office numbers even more impressive when combined with Disney’s strategic marketing push. These promotions included:
Fans and critics alike have praised the film for staying true to the heart and humor of the original, while updating it with modern visuals and a refreshed cast. Of course, not all viewers have loved this version of “Lilo & Stitch.”
If its current momentum holds, “Lilo & Stitch” could signal a turning point for Disney’s live-action strategy, proving that with the right story and execution, these reimaginings can still deliver both creatively and commercially.
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