In just one day, Lilo & Stitch, the new live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic animated film, secured its position as the biggest opening in French cinema for 2025, with 262,605 admissions recorded without any advance screenings. This impressive figure reflects the nearly mythical status now associated with the duo consisting of the little Hawaiian girl Lilo and her chaotic extraterrestrial companion Stitch. However, beyond this statistic, a more significant trend is beginning to emerge.
A Quiet Success
What initially stands out is Disney’s subtle yet effective marketing strategy for “Lilo & Stitch.” Unlike recent releases that are heavily promoted with an abundance of trailers and promotional content, this film has capitalized on a certain affection from its audience. There was no national advance screening; there was only one press showing, but an increasing, almost underground anticipation grew over several months. This is due to the enduring “Stitchmania” since the original film’s release in 2002. Over two decades later, Stitch has become a true pop icon, a central figure in Disney’s merchandise galaxy, rivaling today’s untouchable characters such as Mickey, Elsa, or Buzz.
The success of Dean Fleischer Camp’s film does not solely depend on consumer enthusiasm or temporary trends. It also, perhaps primarily, reflects a collective need for comfort. In an era where family narratives tend to erode or become complex, the concept of “Ohana” (the family one chooses) resonates with renewed strength. Lilo & Stitch tells the story of two lost souls, ill-suited to the world, who learn to rebuild their lives together. It is a universal fable, set here by an authentic Hawaiian backdrop and art direction that avoids the trap of digital replication. Yes, there is laughter throughout. Yes, disaster looms with each appearance of Stitch. Yet what truly resonates is the tenderness and sincerity of the characters’ bond, free from cynicism or irony. This is a rare quality in contemporary entertainment cinema.
One might reasonably question the motivations behind another live-action remake in Disney’s long series of adaptations over the past decade. And yet, Lilo & Stitch manages to distinguish itself from this repetitive formula. Perhaps due to the fact that the original content has never been a high-budget production but rather an intimate and bittersweet work, somewhat on the periphery within the Disney catalog. This uniqueness is something the film embraces, which likely accounts for its immediate impact at the box office.
