Disney’s beloved ohana returns in a box office surge ahead of its Memorial Day weekend debut!
Get ready for a heartwarming intergalactic reunion—because Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch is already rewriting the record books. In a dazzling display of fan enthusiasm, the highly anticipated remake has achieved the highest first-day ticket presales for any PG-rated movie of the year, according to Fandango. This achievement dethrones the previous record holder, A Minecraft Movie, which has since surged past the $875 million global box office mark. But Lilo & Stitch didn’t stop there.
The family-friendly adventure has also secured the second-best first-day presales for a Disney live-action movie—trailing only 2019’s The Lion King, a $1.662 billion global juggernaut. Yes, you read that right. The chaotic blue alien and his Hawaiian best friend have officially outpaced the opening momentum of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Alice in Wonderland—all billion-dollar titles in their own right.
Ohana Means Box Office Power
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the creative mind behind the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, this reimagining brings a fresh indie soul to one of Disney’s most unique and beloved stories. Newcomer Maia Kealoha stars as the fierce, funny, and fearless Lilo, while Chris Sanders, who voiced Stitch in the original 2002 classic, returns to lend his chaotic charm once more.
The ensemble cast includes Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Zach Galifianakis, and Courtney B. Vance, rounding out a lineup that blends legacy with new energy.
“Lilo and Stitch have captured the hearts of families for years, and now audiences can relive the magic of their story with a fresh and new heartwarming take,” said Fandango EVP Jerramy Hainline. “It is no surprise that audiences are racing to our platform to secure their tickets for what is set to be a memorable Memorial Day weekend when Stitch makes his triumphant return to the big screen”.
Could $1 Billion Be In Reach?
With strong nostalgia appeal, broad family accessibility, and a stacked holiday release date, Lilo & Stitch is on a trajectory that box office analysts are watching closely. Although its projected $120 million four-day opening falls short of Minecraft’s staggering debut, that figure could shift as buzz builds and presales continue to climb.
Interestingly, previous Disney live-action blockbusters haven’t needed critical acclaim to hit the billion-dollar mark. Of the studio’s billion-dollar remakes, only Beauty and the Beast earned a Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet Lilo & Stitch could buck that trend, riding the goodwill of the original film with a 86% RT score and the auteur credibility of Fleischer Camp with a 98% RT for Marcel the Shell. Whether reviews soar or stumble, the numbers don’t lie. This is shaping up to be one of the summer’s biggest cultural moments.
A Chaotic Blue Comeback Like No Other
What began as an animated cult favorite is now a live-action sensation in the making. With heartfelt storytelling, diverse casting, and the emotional depth fans expect from the Lilo & Stitch brand, Disney has once again tapped into something bigger than a remake—they’ve tapped into a movement.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, one thing is apparent — audiences are ready to embrace the chaos, laughter, and unconditional love that Stitch brings. And this time, he’s not just crashing into Earth—he’s crashing the box office.
