Disney’s recent live-action remakes have been a bit of a disaster. Before the pandemic, Disney had a string of live-action hits with Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019). 

A realistic depiction of two lions facing each other, one male with a majestic mane on the right and a female with a lighter coat on the left. They are surrounded by small, glowing lights, reminiscent of Elton John's enchanting melodies in The Lion King, set against a blurry background of greenery.
Credit: Disney

And then came the pandemic, and things quickly went downhill for Disney’s live-action remakes. Starting with Mulan (2020), Disney had a string of disappointments and $100 million plus losers. Among those were Pinocchio (2022), Peter Pan & Wendy (2023), and The Little Mermaid (2023). 

Despite that string of disappointments, Disney continued to greenlight more live-action remakes, hoping to recapture some of that early magic. The company briefly saw success with Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), which made over $720 million at the box office.

Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler in Snow White
Credit: Disney

And then came Snow White (2024). The Rachel Zegler film was beset by problems from the start, and Disney has yet to count all the receipts, but the company expects to lose at least $115 million on its latest live-action flop.

On the heels of that disaster, Disney is releasing the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025). Disney has had great marketing for this film, including putting a robotic Stitch in theaters and destroying various Disney movie posters.

Stitch imprisoned in his alien form in the trailer for the live-action Lilo and Stitch.
Credit: Disney

Critics are getting their first look at the new film, and the early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Several reviewers called it the “best Disney live-action film ever.”

Journalist David Baptista wrote:

Lilo & Stitch is the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet. Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It’s also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making performance from Maia Kealoha.

The film opens on May 23, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Early estimates suggest that it could join other Disney live-action films in surpassing the $1 billion mark, becoming the first film of 2025. Lilo and Stitch has already surpassed Minecraft (2025) for the most presales for a PG film this year.

Minecraft earned more than $160 million domestically and $313 million worldwide on its opening weekend. Lilo & Stitch is about to break that record and become the year’s highest-grossing film.

Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnusse as Jumba and Pleakley in Lilo & Stitch
Credit: Disney

While Snow White received excellent early reviews, Lilo & Stitch does not carry the baggage of that film and offers a family-friendly remake. With Moana (2026) coming soon, Disney hopes Lilo & Stitch can clear the way and make fans forget about some of Disney’s missteps.

Are you excited for Lilo & Stitch? Let us know in the comments. 

The post “The Best Disney Live-Action Film Ever,’ Early Indications Are ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is Heading for a Billion-Dollars appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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