Disney’s latest live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has quickly captured the internet’s attention, with fans flocking to the trailer in record numbers.
Within just 24 hours, it amassed an incredible 158 million views, making it the second-most-watched live-action Disney trailer of all time.
The only one to beat it? The 2019 teaser for The Lion King.
A Trailer That Took the Internet by Storm
The trailer for Lilo & Stitch dropped like a whirlwind, immediately trending at number one on Twitter/X and securing the top spot on YouTube.
Even on China’s Douyin platform, the iconic alien Stitch made waves.
Fans couldn’t get enough of its nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved animated classic.
One YouTube commenter summed it up perfectly: “This is exactly what live-action remakes should be – nostalgic but fresh!”
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some viewers voiced their concerns over the humanized versions of the alien characters, Jumba and Pleakley.
Despite these mixed reactions, the film’s Hawaiian setting and its universal themes of family (ohana) and resilience have resonated with audiences across the globe.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Director Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, promises that the film will be a “wildly funny and touching” blend of sci-fi adventure and heartfelt moments.
Disney’s Super Bowl teaser, which featured Stitch causing a little chaos on the football field, had already gone viral, earning 173.1 million views.
With the full trailer’s success, it’s clear that excitement for this remake is only growing.
The original 2002 animated film earned an impressive $2.3 billion worldwide, including $1.4 billion domestically.
Could this live-action version surpass that?
Star-Studded Cast and Emotional Core
The live-action Lilo & Stitch features newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, while the quirky aliens Jumba and Pleakley will be played by Zach Galifianakis and Courtney B. Vance.
Fans will also hear the return of Chris Sanders, who reprises his role as Stitch’s voice. The emotional heart of the film, showcased in the trailer, centers around the deep bond between Lilo and her sister, as well as her mischievous relationship with Stitch.
One fan put it perfectly: “It’s not just about a blue creature; it’s about finding your tribe.”
The movie will hit theaters on May 23, 2025, with a Disney+ release likely to follow, though a streaming date hasn’t been confirmed yet.
A Cultural Moment
More than just a viral trailer, the Lilo & Stitch remake has become a cultural moment.
Stitch’s famous declaration, “Ohana means family… and family means nobody gets left behind,” has struck a chord with people worldwide.
This feel-good story, filled with humor, heart, and a little intergalactic chaos, is sure to resonate with audiences far and wide.
For South Africans and movie lovers everywhere, this is a must-watch film. Who wouldn’t want a friend like Stitch?