Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has officially surpassed $1 billion in global box office revenue, becoming the first Hollywood film to achieve this milestone in 2024. The movie, released nine weeks ago, overtook Jurassic World Dominion—the latest installment in the Jurassic World franchise starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard—in total earnings, marking a significant achievement in the competitive box office landscape while remaining in theaters longer than many recent blockbusters.
Comparison of Release Strategies and Financial Outcomes
Disney maintained a traditional theatrical release window for Lilo & Stitch, delaying its availability on digital platforms, which appears to have boosted box office performance. In contrast, Universal Pictures is preparing to release Jurassic World Dominion on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms in the coming weeks despite expectations that it will also reach $1 billion globally. Universal faced criticism for adopting this approach last year with The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, but continues to support extended theatrical runs for select directors like Christopher Nolan.
Lilo & Stitch has earned nearly $420 million domestically and holds a global total of $1.008 billion. This surpasses Jurassic World Dominion, which was produced with a hefty budget of $265 million and received largely negative reviews. The film’s earnings also now threaten to surpass those of Nolan’s Batman films The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, two of the most successful superhero movies ever.
Production Costs Highlight Financial Risks and Rewards
Compared to many recent tentpole releases, Lilo & Stitch was relatively low-budget, with production costs estimated at $100 million, roughly half the cost of many contemporary blockbusters. By contrast, Pixar’s upcoming release Elio, anticipated to be its worst-performing film, had a reported budget of $200 million. Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, which underperformed with just above $200 million worldwide on a $250 million budget, shows the high stakes involved in such projects. Similarly, previous Disney remakes like The Little Mermaid and Dumbo struggled to meet expectations at the box office.
Positive Audience Reception and Plans for a Sequel
Despite mixed critical reviews, Lilo & Stitch resonated strongly with audiences, achieving a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that while the film may not fully match the original’s imaginative spirit, it successfully captured much of its charm:
Recapturing the adorable charm of the original if not quite matching its rambunctious sense of imagination, Lilo & Stitch emerges out of the crate as one of the better live-action remakes of a Disney classic.
—Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the movie stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as Nani, contributing to the film’s appeal with strong performances. The success has prompted Disney to announce a sequel, ensuring that the story will continue to draw audiences to theaters.
Implications for Future Releases and Industry Trends
The success of Lilo & Stitch amidst a strained theatrical market reflects Disney’s commitment to prioritizing cinemas over immediate digital releases, a decision that contrasts with some rival studios’ strategies. The film’s financial triumph may influence how studios balance theatrical and digital windows going forward, particularly as high-budget projects face increasing scrutiny for profitability. Moreover, the outcome for Jurassic World Dominion and other blockbusters will be closely watched to assess the evolving dynamics between streaming and cinema releases.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Chris Pratt’s son have a disability?
A. Jack Pratt was born early but has since healed well. His parents, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris, appreciate his recovery and see him as as healthy as other kids his age. Anna and Chris have frequently described their son as healthy.
Q. Why does Chris Pratt’s son wear glasses?
A. Even though many premature babies face challenges as they grow, Jack’s only issue is that he needs glasses. At three years old, he looks great in them. His parents frequently post pictures of him wearing his stylish round glasses.
Q. What is Chris Pratt’s religion?
A. Pratt grew up in the Lutheran faith. Later, he collaborated with Jews for Jesus and eventually identified as a non-denominational Christian.
