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It’s a bit like David vs. Goliath, only cuter!
According to initial estimates by Exhibitor Relations, Lilo & Stitch raked in $183 million in box office receipts during its first weekend in North America (including Canada). In second place was Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning with a mere $77 million, marking a significant gap!
In France too, the momentum favors the Hawaiian duo: since its release last Wednesday, Disney’s film has been dominating the national box office, attracting audiences of all ages. The upcoming Ascension holiday weekend could further boost this trend across the country.
A finely-tuned marketing strategy
This success isn’t accidental. Disney has become a master at this, cleverly orchestrating the return of its two heroes with a massive promotion campaign (truly immense), especially with merchandise (and we all love goodies!). The studio had indeed been preparing the ground for months, flooding the market with plush toys, apparel, accessories, and items featuring Stitch, who has become a true pop icon.
The results were immediate, with $2.6 billion in revenue generated in 2024 from merchandising alone around the Lilo & Stitch franchise, according to Disney’s internal figures. This formidable commercial lever significantly contributed to creating massive anticipation for the film.
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A remake that capitalizes on nostalgia and inclusion
Like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, or Aladdin, Disney continues to capitalize on its classics with live-action versions. However, with Lilo & Stitch, the studio also invested in a unique narrative deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and focused on themes of family, diversity, and solidarity. In these troubled times (particularly politically), highlighting these values appeals to a new generation of viewers—many of the original fans are now in their twenties!
The successful portrayal of characters, a visually impressive production, and a revamped soundtrack also contributed to excellent word-of-mouth about the film. Facing this tidal wave, the new Mission Impossible is feeling the impact. Despite spectacular sequences and generally positive reviews, Final Reckoning struggles to create a buzz. The formula seems tired, and the element of surprise—too warmed-over (Tom Cruise will always save the day) is less effective against the family excitement generated by Lilo & Stitch.