‘Lilo & Stitch’ Delivers a Historic Debut at the Box Office
When Snow White imploded at the box office earlier this year, many were quick to write an obituary for Disney’s live-action remake strategy.
After a decade of mining its own animated canon to create new content, it looked like Disney’s golden goose had stopped laying eggs. For a casual observer, the diagnosis seemed correct. After all, Snow White’s failure came on the heels of the disappointing live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Photo: Disney
For those who had been paying attention, however, it was clear that Disney had another trick up their sleeve.
Enter ‘Lilo & Stitch’
The studio finally played its trump card this weekend when Lilo & Stitch surfed into theaters.
Photo: Graceland
Over the past several months, the excitement surrounding the latest Disney live-action remake has been palpable. After delivering a record-breaking trailer, winning the Super Bowl commercial contest, and closing strong with a unique promotional strategy, it has been fairly obvious that Lilo & Stitch would be a box office success.
The only question was, how high would the film climb?
Photo: Disney
So far, Lilo & Stitch looks like an absolute juggernaut.
An Amazing Debut
Yesterday, the film grossed an astounding $55 million at domestic theaters. As of this writing, the film is tracking towards a $175-$180 four-day debut, giving it the best opening ever for a Memorial Day film.
Photo: Disney
Additionally, Lilo & Stitch has grossed $56.3 million overseas through Friday, giving it a global cume of $111.3 million before theaters even opened on Saturday.
With a successful debut now secure, the question for Lilo & Stitch will be whether the film can have an extended box office run. With an “A” CinemaScore, and schools letting out for the summer, the film should have every opportunity to keep its momentum showing.
Photo: Disney
When the dust has settled, Lilo & Stitch will likely be the next $1 billion Disney film, and the live-action remake savior the studio needed.
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