Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: A Live-Action Return

After captivating audiences 23 years ago, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch has made a grand return as a live-action film, delving once more into the heartwarming bond between a young Hawaiian girl and the lovable blue alien she becomes friends with. This reimagining has been highly anticipated, and early estimates suggest it will perform exceptionally well at the box office.

Box Office Projections and Competition

Set to debut over Memorial Day weekend, Lilo & Stitch is projected to gross around $120 million during its first four days in theaters. If these estimates hold, it will be one of the best openings for Disney’s live-action adaptations. The film’s release coincides with that of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, which is expected to earn approximately $80 million. At the film’s L.A. premiere, star Courtney B. Vance humorously noted the competition, joking to Tom Cruise, “I don’t think you can compete with Stitch, Tom, but you’re gonna give it your best shot.”

Casting Insights and Anticipation

Vance, who stars alongside Cruise, admitted to being surprised that many of his colleagues were familiar with the original 2002 film, saying, “Everyone is shocked that I hadn’t seen it… The head of the studio, Alan Bergman, told me, ‘It’s gonna be huge.'” He emphasized the importance of honoring the beloved source material, asserting that the cast aimed to deliver a product worthy of its legacy.

Stitch arrives in style to the L.A premiere of #LiloandStitch pic.twitter.com/G8Z0lVOxQg

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 17, 2025

Main Cast and Characters

Young actress Maia Kealoha portrays Lilo, while Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch. Expressing his initial trepidation about the remake, Sanders remarked, “I think there’s a great deal of suspense when you hear things like that are going to happen… It felt natural to step back into this role.” His longstanding relationship with the character lends authenticity to this new adaptation.

The cast also features Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis, who play aliens pursuing Stitch on Earth. Galifianakis humorously recounted the unique challenges of acting against inanimate objects during filming, stating, “You’re usually acting to nothingness,” which adds an interesting layer to their performances.

Directorial Vision and Challenges

Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his work on Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, the film faces unique technical challenges in integrating animated characters into a live-action narrative. Camp noted the parallel between his previous project and Lilo & Stitch, emphasizing that both features unlikely protagonists navigating a world that isn’t made for them. This commonality infuses the film with both charm and unexpected depth.

Regarding the translation of expressive humor from animation to live action, Camp stated, “We tried really hard not to leave that behind.” The positive audience reaction during the D23 unveiling last July was a reassuring sign for the filmmakers, instilling confidence in their creative direction.

Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember

As anticipation builds for the film’s release on Friday, fans of all ages are eager to witness the fresh take on a beloved classic. The mix of nostalgia and new energy promises to capture the hearts of both old fans and new audiences alike.

For more details, visit the full article on The Hollywood Reporter.