‘Lilo & Stitch’ Is a Smash Hit, But Disney May Struggle to Repeat the Magic

Disney’s latest live-action release, Lilo & Stitch, proved that the Mouse House still has magic left in its vault. The remake stunned industry insiders with its record-breaking Memorial Day weekend box office performance, bringing in a wave of nostalgic fans and curious newcomers. But while the film’s success is a major win, analysts warn it may not be so easy for Disney to replicate the formula.

A Standout in a Crowded Field

The live-action Lilo & Stitch, starring Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as Nani, struck a chord with audiences, thanks in part to its emotional depth, cultural relevance, and a decades-long legacy of love for the original 2002 animated classic. With merchandise sales and a string of sequels and spin-offs already under its belt, the franchise had a solid foundation.

According to Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian, the film “will provide a blueprint for future success,” citing its blend of nostalgia and quality storytelling. However, he also pointed out the obvious challenge: “There’s only so much gold left in the vault.”

Not Every Classic Strikes Gold

Disney has leaned heavily on remakes over the past decade, with hits like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King pulling in huge profits. But not every project has been a winner. Earlier this year, the studio’s live-action Snow White faltered, with critics and fans alike calling it tone-deaf and out of touch.

That failure highlighted the growing risk Disney faces as it continues to adapt beloved animated films. Film critic Scott Mantz said Lilo & Stitch succeeded in part because the character Stitch has become “a modern mascot for Disney,” even surpassing Mickey Mouse in popularity among younger fans.

Still, he cautioned against assuming that similar IPs will automatically succeed. “Lilo & Stitch was a sleeping giant,” Mantz said. “It’s not just about nostalgia. The film was well-made, cast with care, and resonated emotionally. That’s not guaranteed with every remake.”

What’s Next on Disney’s Remake List?

Despite the risks, Disney shows no signs of slowing down. A live-action Moana is already in the works for 2026, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returning as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the title role. The studio is also reportedly exploring other adaptations from both its traditional animation and Pixar libraries.

Some contenders include Frozen, The Incredibles, and Up—all blockbuster hits with broad fanbases. “A live-action Incredibles? That sounds like money in the bank,” said Mantz. Frozen, perhaps the most obvious choice, has yet to be confirmed, but fans are already speculating about casting and visual effects.

Pixar titles like WALL-E and Cars may be harder to translate due to their heavy reliance on non-human characters, though Disney’s photorealistic Lion King shows it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Dergarabedian noted that a hybrid approach—mixing live-action with high-end CGI—could make such remakes feasible.

A Warning Against Oversaturation

As Disney continues its remake streak, analysts warn that audiences may start to lose interest if the studio prioritizes quantity over quality. Dergarabedian emphasized that not every animated film is ripe for a live-action adaptation. “If they try and do this in an inorganic way to just capitalize on Lilo & Stitch, that won’t work,” he said.

The key, experts say, lies in choosing projects that not only have fan love but also lend themselves to meaningful updates. Simply slapping a live-action label on a beloved film isn’t enough in today’s critical and crowded entertainment market.

Disney’s Balancing Act

With the success of Lilo & Stitch, Disney has shown it can still deliver fresh hits with old favorites. But as its most iconic properties are slowly checked off the remake list, the studio must tread carefully. The challenge now is to avoid fatigue while continuing to capture hearts.

In the words of Mantz: “They got this one right. The question is, can they keep it up?”