In an unexpected cinematic showdown, Tom Cruise's latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, titled Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, is set to face off against Disney's live-action remake of the beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch. Both films are scheduled for release in US theaters on May 23, 2025, and early projections suggest that both could earn over $100 million during the Memorial Day weekend.
The last time Cruise and Stitch clashed was back in June 2002 when Minority Report, also starring Cruise, went head-to-head with the original Lilo & Stitch. That weekend, Minority Report narrowly triumphed, grossing $35.7 million compared to Lilo & Stitch's $35.3 million. This close finish left box office analysts buzzing, as both films were expected to perform well. In those days, Lilo & Stitch was relatively unknown, while Cruise was already a household name.
Fast forward to 2025, and the stakes are higher than ever. With both films tracking for significant openings, the rematch is generating considerable buzz. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning reportedly comes with a staggering budget of $400 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced. In contrast, Lilo & Stitch has a more modest budget of $150 million, but its nostalgic appeal and the popularity of its character, Stitch, may give it an edge.
In the original 2002 release, Minority Report was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a story by Philip K. Dick. It featured a high-tech narrative that captivated audiences, while Lilo & Stitch introduced viewers to a quirky alien and a heartwarming story set in Hawaii. Despite Minority Report's strong opening, Lilo & Stitch managed to maintain a steady presence in theaters, ultimately grossing $245.7 million worldwide, while Minority Report earned $358.8 million, ranking among the year's top ten highest-grossing films.
The upcoming rematch also highlights the changing landscape of cinema. Disney has faced challenges in recent years, with several of its live-action remakes underperforming at the box office, including the recent adaptation of Snow White. However, the anticipation surrounding Lilo & Stitch stems from a resurgence of interest in the character, who has become a global icon. Richard North, president of WOW! Stuff, noted that Stitch's popularity has surged, aided by social media and a plethora of merchandise. "Thanks to the digital age and social media, Stitch’s image and personality has become hugely popular online as fans share memes, fan art and their stitch merch!"
With International Stitch Day celebrated on June 26, the timing of the film’s release could not be better for Disney. The nostalgia factor is significant, as many millennials who grew up with the original Lilo & Stitch are now parents bringing their children to see the remake. The film follows a young girl who struggles to fit in until she discovers Stitch, a mischievous alien experiment she claims is her pet dog, leading to an intergalactic adventure.
In the UK, both films will debut slightly earlier on May 21, 2025, and there is speculation that Stitch's merchandising presence could play a crucial role in attracting audiences. The character's image can be found on everything from clothing to toys, making him a familiar face for both children and adults. As one box office analyst put it, "When parents have just as many items of Stitch-branded clothing as their children, no one is going to complain about being dragged along to this Disney movie."
While Mission: Impossible films have historically performed well at the box office, this particular installment faces stiff competition. The previous entry, Dead Reckoning Part One, had a rocky release due to the writers' and actors' strikes that delayed promotional efforts and affected its box office longevity. The new film's Wednesday release gives it a two-day head start over Lilo & Stitch, but the competition remains fierce.
Despite the challenges, both studios are optimistic. Disney aims to reclaim its status as a box office powerhouse with Lilo & Stitch, while Paramount hopes to maintain the momentum of the Mission: Impossible franchise. The upcoming films will also be vying for premium large-format screens, with Mission: Impossible likely to dominate IMAX showings and Lilo & Stitch offering 3D experiences.
As the release dates approach, the excitement surrounding this rematch continues to grow. Will Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt manage to fend off the chaos brought by Stitch, or will the alien's resurgence in pop culture lead to a surprising victory? Only time will tell, but the film industry is buzzing with anticipation.
As we await the showdown, one thing is certain: whether you’re a fan of high-octane action or heartwarming animated adventures, the Memorial Day weekend of 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable one for moviegoers.
