Disney’s live-action movies have come in for some harsh criticism in the last several years, but it looks like that is about to change with the release of the highly-anticipated Lilo & Stitch
. Like most Disney remakes, when it was first announced, many did not feel that the film would be able to live up to the charm of the original movie, but first reactions seem to suggest that the film is about push aside the controversies of Snow White and other recent releases and will be a strong challenger for the box office number one spot when it faces Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
over Memorial Day weekend.
While official reviews are yet to start coming in, early reactions on X and other social media platforms have been incredibly positive and could put Lilo & Stitch in the surprising position of being a Disney live-action remake that actually pleases more people than it offends for simply existing.
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‘Snow White’ Was a Huge Flop, but Disney’s Next Remake Is Already a Massive Hit
The fate of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ will likely be much different from that of ‘Snow White.’
Laura Sirikul said on her X account, “Lilo and Stitch was heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a STAR! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they’d be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet.”
This seems to dispel some of the early reactions to Stitch’s live-action design, and could help to elevate the little blue alien’s stature as a cultural icon to a whole new level.
Nerd Reactor’s John Nguyen commented, “Lilo & Stitch is the best live-action remake of a Disney animated film by far! The casting features returning and new actors, and they were all solid. The story is very close to the original and will for sure make fans happy. Elvis music and the classic songs are back.” Meanwhile, Anthony Gagliardi of The Movie Podcast added, “Lilo & Stitch is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! It’s a story about loss, friendship, & ohana, told in a way that’s both fun and deeply touching. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry & Stitch will completely steal your heart. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is a breakout star in a story that delivers HEARTWARMING FUN for the whole family.”
‘Lilo & Stitch’ Can Win Its Rematch With Tom Cruise
In 2002, Lilo & Stitch was Disney’s latest animated hit. However, it could not quite overcome the might of Tom Cruise’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg on Minority Report, and opened second at the box office. 13 years later, Cruise may still be throwing himself into danger for the sake of thrilling movie footage, but Stitch has become one of the biggest and most recognizable characters of Disney’s entire catalog. Stores are busting with Stitch merchandising, from clothes and plush toys, to kitchenware and LEGO sets, making it hard to avoid seeing the cuddly critter’s face wherever you go.
With that in mind, Lilo & Stitch comes into its opening weekend as a solid favorite to win its rematch with Tom Cruise, although both the Disney movie and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning are expected to hit around $120 million domestically. Brace yourselves for the box office showdown of the year.
Source: X
Release Date
May 21, 2025
Runtime
108 Minutes
Director
Dean Fleischer Camp
Writers
Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
Producers
Tom C. Peitzman, Dan Lin, Ryan Halprin
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