Disney’s streak when it comes to live-action remakes has been unpredictable, with the outcomes being somewhat of a mixed bag. Snow White, the studio’s latest remake disaster, proves that not every classic needs to be modernized and reimagined. The Rachel Zegler-led adaptation has had a tough time at the box office, suffering harsh criticism from both viewers and critics. However, where Snow White crumbled, Disney’s other upcoming remake might succeed. Lilo & Stitchis scheduled for release in May 2025 and already looks to be on the path to success.

Unlike Snow White, which alienated fans with drastic character changes and questionable creative decisions, Lilo & Stitch appears to stay true to the heartwarming essence of its animated predecessor. As evidenced by the reactions to the film’s trailer, Lilo & Stitch is already winning over audiences. Early projections also suggest that the film might be a potential box office juggernaut. Shaping up to be everything that Snow White was not, Lilo & Stitch is on track for success while Snow White continues to fade into the background.

‘Snow White’ Was Doomed From the Start

From the moment Snow White was announced, controversy surrounded nearly every aspect of the film’s production. Lead star Rachel Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 Snow White being dated and not a love story were not received well by fans. The comments only further alienated fans who were skeptical of Disney’s modern take on a beloved fairytale.

Additionally, the film’s decision to replace the seven dwarfs with CGI-generated characters woefully backfired. Instead of feeling like a necessary update, the changes have resulted in awkward, out-of-place characters who left audiences unimpressed. Overall, Snow White lacked the charm, visual spectacle, and emotional core that made the animated classic a timeless favorite. This, together with Snow White’s enormous production budget to which the final product did not do justice, solidified the film’s status as a major flop. However, while Snow White went in the wrong direction, Lilo & Stitch is set to get Disney’s live-action division back on the correct path.

Audiences Are Already Excited for ‘Lilo & Stitch’

Unlike Snow White, which received backlash from its earliest announcements, Lilo & Stitch has been met with overwhelming positivity. The first trailer for the film racked up millions of views within hours, with fans praising the live-action’s nostalgic tone and heartwarming visuals. Users have been vocal about their excitement on social media, expressing their relief that Disney finally seems to be getting a remake right. Commenting on the official trailer released for the film, YouTube user @Tarinator said:

“This is the first Disney live-action remake I’m actually excited for, Stitch and the other alien characters look great and it’s really nostalgic to see all the scenes recreated.”

One of the key reasons for the excitement surrounding Lilo & Stitch is how well the film appears to be honoring the spirit of the original work. The original Lilo & Stitch remains a beloved story about family, acceptance, and belonging. The fact that the remake seems to be staying true to these themes has done nothing but contribute to a favorable reception towards the live-action film.

Moreover, the decision to cast an authentic Hawaiian actress as Lilo and thereby retain the film’s cultural setting has also been widely praised by audiences. Fans are thrilled that Disney has taken the necessary steps to ensure the remake’s story remains genuine and respectful of its roots. Unlike the reception towards the use of CGI in Snow White, audiences have also responded more favorably towards the CGI rendition of Stitch in Lilo & Stitch. Fans have noticed that Stitch’s design remains faithful to his animated counterpart and have appreciated Disney’s decision to avoid attempting to fix that which is not broken.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is a Box Office Hit in the Making

Early projections indicate that Lilo & Stitch is on track to be one of Disney’s highest-grossing live-action remakes. Experts predict that the film could rake in between $800 million and $1 billion worldwide, in stark contrast to Snow White‘s dismal earnings. The predicted success of the filmis fueled by several factors that Snow White lacked, including Lilo & Stitch embracing all the aspects of what made the original so special.

Other factors fueling the remake’s projected success include the fact that Lilo & Stitch appeals to multiple generations. The original film remains a favorite among both millennials and Gen Z viewers, many of whom grew up watching the movie and now harbor a sense of nostalgia towards it. Meanwhile, the film can also appeal to a younger audience who were not around for the release of the original movie. The chaotic but endearing portrayal of Stitch and his relationship with Lilo will likely attract the attention of younger viewers. This broad audience that Lilo & Stitch is catering to afford the remake a major advantage over Snow White.

Moreover, the marketing for Lilo & Stitch has been far more effective than the marketing for Snow White. While the latter was plagued by controversy, Disney primarily focused on nostalgia, using key moments and visuals from the original film to hook audiences to the upcoming Lilo & Stitch remake. The success that Lilo & Stitch‘s marketing team has had in using this strategy is a lesson that nostalgia, when used correctly, is a powerful tool to draw in viewers.

Disney’s live-action remakes have usually been hit-or-miss, but Lilo & Stitch is shaping up to be one of the hits. If the film lives up to its potential, it may mark a new era for Disney’s live-action remakes. Where Snow White faltered due to misguided creative choices, Lilo & Stitch appears to be doing everything right — honoring the original, engaging audiences, and positioning itself as an absolute must-see. Lilo & Stitch is scheduled to release in theaters on May 23, 2025.