It seems Disney isn’t backing down just yet. Hot on the heels of the much-criticised Snow White remake, the studio is making another bold attempt to restore its tarnished reputation — this time with a live-action reimagining of the beloved 2002 classic Lilo & Stitch.
According to Deadline, Initially planned as a Disney+ streaming release in summer 2024, the film is now scheduled to hit cinemas on 23 May 2025. The switch to a theatrical release suggests Disney has confidence in the project, even though cinema runs typically generate less revenue than digital releases. Notably, several films that flopped at the box office have gone on to find new life through streaming platforms.
The cast features a mix of established and emerging talent, including Zach Galifianakis, Sydney Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Courtney B. Vance, with Chris Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch and Maia Kealoha stepping in as Lilo.
The original Lilo & Stitch remains a critical favourite, holding a “Certified Fresh” score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its audience reception was slightly less glowing, with a 78% Popcorn Score, despite earning an impressive "A" CinemaScore upon release.
Still, early signs point to strong interest in the remake. The official trailer of Lilo & Stitch., released on 12 March, has already racked up over 13.5 million views, hinting that Disney’s gamble may yet pay off with today’s audiences.
