The 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is one of Disney’s most anticipated releases, set to hit theaters on May 23, 2025. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film reimagines the beloved 2002 animated classic, blending live-action with CGI to bring the story of Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a genetically engineered alien, to a new generation. The cast features Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch, alongside Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, and others.
Spoiler-filled plot summary:
The film closely follows the original’s emotional arc but expands on Lilo’s backstory and her struggles with grief after losing her parents. Lilo’s relationship with her older sister Nani is more deeply explored, showing the pressures Nani faces as a young guardian. When Stitch crash-lands on Earth, he’s initially mistaken for a dog and adopted by Lilo, who is desperate for a friend. The heart of the story remains the concept of ‘ohana’—family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. The live-action version adds new scenes of Lilo’s life at school, her feelings of isolation, and her attempts to fit in, making her bond with Stitch even more poignant.
Stitch’s destructive tendencies are more visually spectacular thanks to CGI, leading to several comedic and action-packed sequences as he evades capture by alien agents Jumba and Pleakley, as well as the social worker Cobra Bubbles. The climax is more intense, with a high-stakes chase through the Hawaiian landscape, culminating in Stitch’s choice to protect his new family rather than escape to freedom. The film ends with the family united, and Stitch officially becoming part of their ‘ohana, echoing the original’s message of acceptance and belonging.
Budget and financials:
The production budget for Lilo & Stitch (2025) is estimated to be around $150 million, reflecting the high costs of CGI, location shooting in Hawaii, and a star-studded cast. Early box office projections are extremely strong, with estimates suggesting an opening weekend of $120–$140 million domestically for the 3-day period, and up to $165 million for the 4-day Memorial Day weekend. Industry analysts predict the film could reach up to $1 billion in global box office gross, making it one of Disney’s biggest live-action remakes to date.
Net income (excluding site revenue):
Assuming a $1 billion global gross and a $150 million production budget, plus an estimated $100 million in marketing, the film’s net theatrical income (before ancillary revenue and after subtracting production and marketing) could be in the range of $300–$350 million, depending on distribution deals and international splits. This does not include future revenue from streaming, merchandise, or home video sales.
