The premiere of Lilo y Stitch in theaters on May 23 has been a true phenomenon, boosting the box office both in Spain and internationally. The new live-action adaptation of the Disney classic of 2002 has managed to mobilize thousands of fans and family viewers around the world, taking the undisputed number one spot in the box office ranking in its first weekend.
Impact in Spain and the rest of the world
En Spain, the movie has broken all predictions, earning €5,7 million and attracting more than 750.000 people to theaters in just three days. This cements it as the best premiere of the year and the best opening since Inside Out 2 in 2024. The film has opened on 1.107 screens in 369 theaters and accounted for 67% of the domestic box office share, while globally, the film has grossed $342 million, consolidating its position as the biggest global debut of the year to date.
At the U.S. market the film has also made history. The release also coincided with the Memorial Day holiday, one of the most important dates for the American box office. Thus, Lilo y Stitch collection 183 million only in the United States during those days, thus surpassing the record that Top Gun: Maverick had been set for 2022. Analysts had even predicted figures close to 180 million, but the expectation was, as you can see, widely exceeded.
The film has thus been placed ahead of such powerful releases as Mission Impossible: Final Sentence, which achieved second place by a significant margin, demonstrating that the family focus and a certain touch of nostalgia for the animated version have been key to this success. Furthermore, Disney's new version has managed to beat the cumulative worldwide box office of the original, which reached $273 million in its day. Crazy.
The keys to success?
Without a doubt, what fans highlight most is that the return of Lilo and her inseparable companion Stitch has been able to adapt to real action. without losing the essence of the original filmDean Fleischer Camp's direction, along with the script by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, has made it possible for the adaptation to respect the values ​​that made the animated version famous, while introducing modern elements and a more updated perspective with small extra licenses that do not clash with the story.
On the artistic level, the interpretation of Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong in the role of Nani have been especially well received, also being key to winning over both nostalgic and new audiences.
The film's international success and positive critical reception predict a long run in theaters, with forecasts suggesting it will remain at the top of the charts. The option of a sequel -zero surprises- it must be said - following the example of other Disney remakes.
A new era for Disney remakes
The outstanding reception of Lilo y Stitch It opens a period of optimism for Disney regarding its adaptations. live action. After the setbacks of other recent titles, the company is consolidating its position in the family genre and is showing signs that the formula still works, as long as the freshness and respect for the original material are maintained. The factory is planning to release similar adaptations of the film in the near future. Moana, Bambi o Hercules, confirming that the classics have a long way to go in their new live-action version. Or at least that's what audiences are saying.
There's no doubt that the combination of nostalgia, a good release strategy, and the support of family audiences is a winning combination in the film industry. And Disney doesn't intend to waste it.
