For nearly a decade, Disney has been remaking its animated classics as live-action films. The company’s latest adaptation, 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch,” is already bringing in more at the box office than its animated predecessor. Between this and “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” this could be the biggest Memorial Day weekend in box office history.
“Lilo & Stitch” led the domestic box office, pulling in $145.5 million on its opening weekend. Followed by “Final Reckoning,” starring Tom Cruise, with $63 million.
Keep in mind that the 2002 version earned $145.8 million in the U.S. and Canada over its entire theatrical run. Meaning that the live-action remake has almost completely outearned it in just one four-day weekend. And positive reception from fans is expected to keep that number growing.
This feat is even more impressive considering the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” was originally set to be a streaming-only release on Disney+. Once it was slated for a theatrical release, it was only expected to bring in $120 million opening weekend. Much of this draw is being attributed to older audience members who grew up with the original animated film.
Once Memorial Day’s numbers come in, with added help from “Final Destination: Bloodlines” and “Sinners,” cumulative box office totals are expected to reach $320 million. This would break 2013’s record of $314.2 million pulled in by “Fast & Furious 6,” “The Hangover Part III,” and “Star Trek Into Darkness.”
You can catch the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” in theaters nationwide.
