Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is About to Outperform ‘Snow White’ in Just One Weekend

Disney’s upcoming Lilo & Stitch live-action remake is generating impressive early box office projections, signaling a potential financial and cultural victory for the House of Mouse following a series of underwhelming live-action performances. According to early tracking data, Lilo & Stitch is on pace to earn more in its domestic opening weekend than 2024’s Snow White managed during its entire theatrical run in North America.

The projection has shocked some analysts, given the relative obscurity of Lilo & Stitch compared to the historically iconic Snow White IP. But changing audience preferences, strategic casting, and smarter marketing appear to be giving the Hawaiian-set family drama a significant edge.

Box Office Expectations: A Stark Contrast

Snow White, released in March 2024, was expected to be a box office powerhouse. Instead, it floundered domestically, earning just $43 million before exiting theaters, making it one of the poorest performers among Disney’s live-action portfolio. By comparison, Lilo & Stitch is projected to earn more than $45–50 million in its opening weekend alone, according to sources close to the studio.

While global numbers for Snow White reached approximately $182.4 million, it still fell short of its estimated $269 million production and marketing costs, ultimately being labeled a box office bomb. Lilo & Stitch, meanwhile, carries a more modest reported production budget of $100 million, making its expected debut performance even more promising from a profitability standpoint.

Industry Reaction: Disney Re-Evaluates Live-Action Slate

The fallout from Snow White‘s disappointing box office results has already triggered internal changes at Disney. Development on several other live-action adaptations, including a planned remake of Tangled, has reportedly been paused indefinitely.

Director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) and screenwriter Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) were attached to the project, but insiders say Disney executives are now wary of greenlighting high-budget remakes of films that don’t demonstrate strong pre-release audience interest.

The decision reflects a broader industry trend: IP recognition alone is no longer a guarantee of financial success. Instead, audiences appear to be gravitating toward remakes that feel emotionally grounded, culturally relevant, and visually distinct.

Why ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is Generating Buzz

So what makes Lilo & Stitch different?

1. Nostalgic Yet Fresh Appeal
   Unlike many Disney classics which have been retold repeatedly, Lilo & Stitch offers a more contemporary origin (originally released in 2002) and hasn’t been as widely adapted or merchandised, keeping its charm relatively intact for both millennial parents and Gen Z viewers.
2. Cultural Representation Done Right
   Set in Hawaii and centered on the bond between a young girl and an alien creature, the story balances emotional resonance with quirky sci-fi fun. The casting of primarily Native Hawaiian and Polynesian actors has been widely praised for its authenticity, an area where Snow White received criticism, particularly around its modernized reinterpretation of classic fairy tale elements.
3. Family-Friendly Science Fiction
   Unlike the fantasy-heavy Snow White, Lilo & Stitch blends sci-fi and heartwarming themes in a way that appeals to a broader demographic including young boys, a group often underserved by Disney princess narratives.

Marketing and Strategic Release Timing

Disney has also approached the marketing of Lilo & Stitch with calculated precision. The campaign has leaned into the emotional relationship between Lilo and Stitch, emphasizing family, belonging, and adventure: echoing the tone that made the original animated film a cult favorite.

The film’s release window also plays a role. By choosing a late spring release just before the summer blockbuster rush. Disney positions the film as a must-see for families ahead of the packed June schedule. It’s a tactical move, especially considering Snow White suffered from stiff competition and lukewarm word of mouth during its spring 2024 debut.

What This Means for Disney’s Future

If Lilo & Stitch lives up to its box office projections, it could mark a strategic pivot point for Disney’s approach to live-action remakes. Analysts expect the company to prioritize emotionally resonant, culturally specific stories over safer, legacy-driven titles.

While The Little Mermaid (2023) had a respectable run, and Aladdin (2019) was a surprise global hit, many other remakes—Peter Pan & Wendy, Pinocchio, and Snow White have failed to connect with modern audiences. The success of Lilo & Stitch could show that audiences are looking for heartfelt storytelling and unique worlds over rehashed fairy tales.

A New Era of Storytelling?

Early projections suggest that Lilo & Stitch could not only revive confidence in Disney’s live-action division but also reorient the studio’s priorities moving forward. In a climate where streaming, franchise fatigue, and rising production costs are reshaping Hollywood, Disney may have stumbled upon an important lesson: quality, heart, and authenticity matter more than legacy alone.

As the release date nears, the pressure is on but so far, all signs point to Lilo & Stitch being the comeback Disney didn’t know it needed.