Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch is generating significant buzz as it prepares for its release on May 23, 2025. According to Fandango, the film has already set records for advance ticket sales, making it the best first-day preseller for a PG-rated title this year.
In a remarkable achievement, Lilo & Stitch has outperformed all other 2025 PG-rated films in first-day advance ticket sales on Fandango, surpassing notable titles such as A Minecraft Movie, Snow White, Dog Man, and Paddington in Peru. It has also secured the second spot as the best first-day ticket preseller for a Disney live-action film of all time, trailing only behind the 2019 blockbuster The Lion King.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently emphasized the excitement surrounding the film during Disney’s earnings call, stating, "The studio’s 2026 lineup is as strong as any slate that I’ve seen in a long time, since — well in 2019 I think was our best year — the strongest I’ve seen since then.”
Tracking indicates that Lilo & Stitch is expected to earn approximately $120 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, outpacing Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, which is projected to bring in around $80 million. The entire Memorial Day weekend could potentially break records, clearing $314.2 million in total box office sales.
Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango, remarked, “Lilo and Stitch have captured the hearts of families for years, and now audiences can relive the magic of their story with a fresh and new heartwarming take. It is no surprise that audiences are racing to our platform to secure their tickets for what is set to be a memorable Memorial Day weekend when Stitch makes his triumphant return to the big screen.”
The film has also been highlighted as one of the top ten most anticipated summer movies in Fandango’s 2025 Moviegoing Trends and Insights Study, which surveyed over 5,000 ticket buyers. Earlier this year, the official trailer for Lilo & Stitch became the second-most-watched Disney live-action trailer of all time, further fueling interest.
As excitement builds, fans have expressed mixed reactions to some character changes in the live-action remake. Director Dean Fleischer Camp addressed concerns regarding Agent Pleakley, played by Billy Magnussen, and Dr. Jumba Jookiba, portrayed by Zach Galifianakis. Fans noted that the trailer did not showcase Pleakley’s iconic dresses and wigs, which were a significant part of the character's charm in the original animated film.
In a TikTok response to fans, Fleischer Camp stated, “I have had people message me saying, ‘Why is Pleakley not wearing a dress?’ And I just want to say, I tried.” He shared behind-the-scenes concept art of the character in various disguises, though it remains uncertain whether Pleakley will don a dress in the final cut.
Despite the backlash, Fleischer Camp reassured fans that the film would remain true to the original’s tone. He expressed the importance of bringing back Chris Sanders to voice Stitch, saying, “One of the first creative discussions we had was, ‘We have to get Chris Sanders back.’ He was really, really generous, he would come in and do ADR for hours and hours… He was a delight.”
The cast of the live-action Lilo & Stitch features relative newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, alongside returning voice actor Chris Sanders as Stitch. Sydney Agudong will portray Lilo’s older sister, Nani, while Amy Hill returns in a new role as Tūtū, Lilo and Nani’s neighbor. Other notable cast members include Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original film, playing social worker Mrs. Kekoa.
The story centers on the bond formed between Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a genetically engineered alien initially designed for destruction. The film aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing new elements that resonate with today’s audiences.
As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the magic of Lilo & Stitch in theaters. With its record-breaking ticket sales and a nostalgic story that appeals to both old and new fans, the film is poised to make a significant impact at the box office.
Tickets for Lilo & Stitch are currently on sale on Fandango, and the excitement is palpable as families prepare for a heartwarming adventure this Memorial Day weekend. In honor of the film’s release, Fandango is also offering an exclusive Popcorn Pin Pack Bundle, which includes a movie ticket and an official Disney collectible pin for $36.26.
