Disney’s Lilo & Stitch has kicked off the summer box office in a big way. This live-action remake of the beloved 2002 animated film has already broken several records, setting the stage for what could be one of the best summers for movies since the pandemic. With a projected $4.2 billion expected from the U.S. and Canada, fans are eager to see what’s next.
The film had a production budget of $100 million, and it has already recouped its costs through merchandise and other avenues. Film finance experts note that it needs about $205 million worldwide to reach the break-even point.
Domestic Box Office Highlights
- It achieved the biggest 4-day Memorial Day weekend box office ever, pulling in $182.6 million, surpassing Top Gun: Maverick from 2022.
- The film holds the record for the biggest opening for a Rideback production, totaling $146 million over three days.
- Director Dean Fleischer Camp now celebrates his biggest opening as well, surpassing his previous project, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.
In terms of family films, Lilo & Stitch dominated the PG movie openings in May, beating out Shrek the Third with its impressive $121.6 million. It also collected $15.2 million on Tuesday, setting a new record for the month.
Notably, it has become a major player in box office history, claiming the title for second biggest 4-day holiday opening, just behind Black Panther. Furthermore, its 5-day weekend at theaters saw about 7 million admissions, a record for AMC and Odeon chains, marking it their most popular Memorial Day weekend since 2013.
Global Success
Internationally, the film is thriving too, marking the highest opening this year for any MPA movie at $158.7 million. It achieved the highest opening for a Disney live-action film across Latin America, with Mexico leading at $27 million.
Historical Context
In recent years, Disney has often been at the forefront of box office successes. However, this film’s performance is especially striking when compared to the struggles many filmmakers faced during the pandemic. According to recent statistics, movie attendance dropped by nearly 70% at the height of COVID-19. Now, with soaring numbers, it appears that audiences are eager to return to theaters.
Audience Reactions
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans sharing their nostalgia for the original film. The hashtag #LiloAndStitch is trending, with users posting memorable quotes and favorite moments, highlighting the film’s impact on culture.
Disney has set a new benchmark, being the first studio to cross $2 billion globally in 2023, outpacing its competitors. As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on how Lilo & Stitch continues to perform at the box office and what it signals for the future of cinema.
For more on this and the latest in film statistics, check out the comprehensive reports on sites like Comscore or Box Office Mojo.
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