Disney’s live-action remakes have experienced a wide range of box office success and disappointments. The latest release, Lilo & Stitch (2025), shattered Memorial Day records and reinvigorated interest in the format. This came just months after Snow White underperformed, sending ripples across Disney’s development plans. Here’s how the numbers stack up—and what it could mean for the future of Disney remakes.
Lilo & Stitch (2025): A Record-Setting Success
Lilo & Stitch opened to $145.5 million domestically and reached $341.7 million worldwide in its opening weekend, setting a new Memorial Day record. Initially planned for Disney+, the movie pivoted to a theatrical release due to high fan anticipation and positive early reactions. This strategic move paid off, making Lilo & Stitch Disney’s third-highest live-action debut behind The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.
Snow White (2025): A Wake-Up Call
By comparison, Snow White debuted with only $43 million and went on to cap at $204.2 million worldwide. The film’s performance, hindered by pre-release controversy and mixed reception, prompted Disney to pause its in-development Tangled remake. This decision reflects a growing sensitivity to audience feedback and shifting box office expectations.
What’s Next? Upcoming Disney Live-Action Projects
Despite setbacks, Disney has more live-action projects in development:
- Moana – Post-production. Filming completed in late 2024. Scheduled for release July 10, 2026.
- Hercules – Script development. Directed by Guy Ritchie, produced by the Russo brothers.
- The Aristocats – Active development. Directed by Questlove as a live-action/CG hybrid.
- Bambi – Early development. Planned as a photorealistic remake.
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Early development. Based on the 1996 animated film.
- Robin Hood – Development. Will feature a live-action/CG hybrid approach.
- Tangled – Development paused. Shelved after Snow White’s underperformance.
Disney Live-Action Remakes by Release Type
Theatrical Releases (Sorted by Opening Weekend)
| Film Title | Release Year | Opening Weekend (Domestic) | Internal Box Office | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lion King | 2019 | $191.8M | $543.6M | $1.66B |
| Beauty and the Beast | 2017 | $174.8M | $504M | $1.26B |
| Lilo & Stitch | 2025 | $145.5M | TBD | TBD |
| Alice in Wonderland | 2010 | $116.1M | $334.2M | $1.03B |
| The Jungle Book | 2016 | $103.3M | $364M | $966.6M |
| The Little Mermaid | 2023 | $95.6M | $298.2M | $569.6M |
| Aladdin | 2019 | $91.5M | $355.6M | $1.05B |
| Maleficent | 2014 | $69.4M | $241.4M | $758.5M |
| Cinderella | 2015 | $67.9M | $201.2M | $543.5M |
| Dumbo | 2019 | $45.9M | $114.8M | $353.3M |
| Snow White | 2025 | $43M | $86.9M | $204.2M |
| Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | 2019 | $36.9M | $113.9M | $491.7M |
| Mufasa: The Lion King | 2024 | $35.4M | $254.6M | $722.6M |
| 101 Dalmatians | 1996 | $33.5M | $136.2M | $320M |
| Alice Through the Looking Glass | 2016 | $26.9M | $77M | $299M |
| Christopher Robin | 2018 | $24.6M | $99.2M | $197M |
| Pete’s Dragon | 2016 | $21.5M | $76.2M | $143.7M |
| 102 Dalmatians | 2000 | $19.8M | $66.9M | $183.6M |
| The Sorcerer’s Apprentice | 2010 | $17.6M | $63.1M | $215.3M |
| Mulan* | 2020 | N/A | N/A | ~$70M est. |
* Mulan was released during the global pandemic via Disney+ Premier Access. Due to its hybrid nature and the closure of theaters, accurate box office rankings remain speculative.
Disney+ Exclusives
| Film Title | Release Year | Notes |
| Pinocchio | 2022 | Direct-to-Disney+ |
| Lady and the Tramp | 2019 | Disney+ launch exclusive |
| Peter Pan & Wendy | 2023 | Disney+ exclusive |
| The Sword in the Stone | TBA | In development for streaming |
| Robin Hood | TBA | Live-action/CG hybrid in dev |
| The Hunchback of Notre Dame | TBA | In early development |
| Bambi | TBA | Photorealistic remake in dev |
| The Aristocats | TBA | In development |
Hybrid Release: Mulan (2020)
Mulan was released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic through Disney+ Premier Access, which complicates any definitive box office ranking. Estimates suggest around $70 million globally, but this figure is speculative due to the unusual and unfortunate distribution model.
What’s Next for Disney Live-Action Remakes?
The strong showing of Lilo & Stitch may spark renewed confidence in Disney’s theatrical strategy for live-action remakes. However, the underperformance of Snow White has already led to the pause of Tangled, and fans are now eyeing Moana (2026) as the next big test. With high expectations, returning talent, and cultural resonance, its performance could shape the future of Disney’s ‘photorealistic’ and live-action adaptations for years to come.
