Disney’s upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch isn’t just a remake — it’s a full-scale event. With theatrical release set for May 23, the film is already pulling serious attention from fans, collectors, and ticket buyers. New character images, explosive presale numbers, and one-of-a-kind merchandise drops have turned this into one of Disney’s most hyped projects of 2025.

Live-action Lilo & Stitch reveals key character images ahead of release

Disney recently dropped new stills from the Lilo & Stitch live-action film, giving fans their first close-up look at Jumba, Pleakley, and the Grand Councilwoman. The images — released alongside a new featurette — show the alien characters in full form, balanced between faithful design and realistic texture.

Stitch himself has already earned praise for how the CGI bridges cartoon charm with real-world believability. Now, with Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), and the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) entering the mix, fans are eager to see how these characters move and interact on-screen.

Director Dean Fleischer Camp, backed by a script from Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, is steering the project with a clear vision. The cast — which also includes Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Tia Carrere, Courtney B. Vance, and Chris Sanders — blends legacy talent with fresh energy.

Lilo & Stitch ticket presales crush PG records on Fandango

Beyond visuals, the buzz around Lilo & Stitch is translating into box office momentum. According to Fandango, the film posted the best first-day ticket presales for a PG-rated movie in 2025 — beating out titles like The Minecraft Movie, Snow White, and Paddington in Peru.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has pointed to “enormous” tracking for the film, and the numbers back that up. Early forecasts peg Lilo & Stitch to earn around $120 million over the Memorial Day four-day weekend, potentially outpacing Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning.

In fact, Lilo & Stitch ranks as the No. 2 Disney live-action film for early presale ticket numbers on Fandango — only behind the massive Lion King (2019). If these trends hold, we could be looking at a rare Disney win in original-IP (sort of) live-action form.

Exclusive merch drops turn fans into collectors ahead of May 23

Disney isn’t just selling tickets — they’re selling everything. From Funko Pops to Lego sets, the merchandising machine is running full throttle. Some of the most eye-catching releases include:

  • Lilo & Stitch x SPAM Cans — Limited-edition food tie-ins that randomly stock stores. Collectors are already hunting these online.
  • Stitch Crocs — Adult-sized clogs featuring playful Stitch designs and “OHANA” bead laces.
  • LEGO Lilo & Stitch Beach House — An 834-piece set with the iconic beach house, spaceship, and five minifigures.
  • Crack Me Up Stitch Plush — An interactive toy that laughs and wiggles when you shake it. Target exclusive and priced under $20.

There’s even a large-scale Jumbo Stitch Mystery Capsule that opens like a toy chest and delivers random Stitch-themed swag inside. It’s merchandise designed not just to appeal to kids, but to tap into the nostalgia of adults who grew up with the original 2002 film.

‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ preview brings emotional punch to fans

One of the most-watched teasers for the live-action film is a 2.5-minute clip featuring Lilo and Stitch riding through Hawaii to the tune of the original “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”. The video, posted on Disney’s YouTube channel, has already surpassed 350,000 views.

It’s a smart play from Disney — using the beloved soundtrack and iconic imagery to connect the new film with the emotional core of the original. The soundtrac k, which drops May 21, also features several Elvis Presley tracks, staying true to the original’s love of the King’s music.

What the success of Lilo & Stitch means for Disney’s future

With strong presales, high-profile marketing, and a wave of nostalgia-driven merchandising, Lilo & Stitch is more than just a summer release. It’s a test of Disney’s live-action formula — one that doesn’t rely on Marvel or Star Wars to fill theaters.

CEO Bob Iger has said Disney’s 2026 slate is some of the best they’ve had in years. If Lilo & Stitch performs like its tracking suggests, Disney may have found a new (old) formula for success: reimagine fan-favorite animated originals with heart, humor, and a modern twist.

Whether it’s through ticket sales, collectible toys, or a viral Hawaiian soundtrack clip, Stitch is proving that he still has plenty of life left in him. And as Disney banks on ohana — the family — to fill seats, fans are more than ready to come along for the ride.