It was a tale of two animated journeys at the box office this weekend. As Pixar’s Elio made its long-awaited theatrical debut, Walt Disney Studios celebrated a major milestone for another film: Lilo & Stitch.
Elio’s Soft Opening Raises Questions
Opening on more than 3,800 screens, Elio had all the makings of a Pixar success—heartfelt storytelling, intergalactic visuals, and emotional depth. Despite a robust marketing campaign and early fan enthusiasm, the film underperformed during its domestic debut.
Current estimates place Elio at just $28 million domestically—well below the $45–50 million projections. International earnings added a modest bump, bringing the global opening to around $52 million. While not catastrophic, the numbers fall short compared to recent Pixar titles like Turning Red and Elemental, both of which built momentum through word of mouth.
Several factors may have contributed to the weak start. A crowded release calendar, lukewarm reviews, and constant comparisons to past Pixar favorites may have hurt the film’s visibility. Whether Elio can recover over time remains uncertain, but for now, it’s Pixar’s lowest theatrical opening weekend on record.
Lilo & Stitch Hits a Major Milestone
While Elio stumbled, Lilo & Stitch soared. The live-action remake, now in its seventh weekend, quietly crossed the $900 million mark worldwide—a remarkable milestone for the reimagined classic.
Thanks to strong international momentum, Disney+ synergy, and consistent family attendance, Lilo & Stitch has surpassed even optimistic projections. It now ranks among Disney’s most successful live-action adaptations, trailing only The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017).
The film’s emotional story, nostalgic appeal, and breakout performance from newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo have driven repeat viewings. Disney’s ability to blend classic IP with fresh energy continues to resonate with global audiences.
What’s Next for Disney in 2025
With Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Snow White already making their theatrical runs earlier this year, Disney now shifts focus to the rest of its 2025 lineup. Moana 2 and Mufasa delivered a strong family turnout and helped launch the year with momentum, but Snow White underperformed at the box office, earning just $205.7 million globally. This weekend’s Elio performance compounded that misstep, which posted Pixar’s weakest-ever theatrical debut with $28 million domestic and $52 million worldwide—reinforcing the growing challenge of launching original content in a franchise-driven marketplace.
Next up, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps launches July 25. As the team fully joins the MCU, early tracking suggests a blockbuster opening. Then, on August 8, nostalgia takes the stage with Freakier Friday, reuniting Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in a spirited body-swap comedy aimed at fans old and new.
In October, Disney returns to futuristic adventure with Tron: Ares on October 10, injecting modern visuals and fresh stories into the cult sci-fi franchise. But the year’s most anticipated release lands on November 26: Zootopia 2. Reuniting Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in an expanded metropolis, the sequel draws on massive global appeal and merchandising momentum.
Meanwhile, Pixar will be watching Elio closely, hoping for a slow-burn success like Elemental. But the early numbers hint at how tight competition is for original stories at today’s box office. Disney continues to rely on its proven franchises, even as it champions fresh ideas.
All told, Disney’s 2025 slate remains compelling. With lower-than-expected performance from Snow White and Elio, the spotlight now shines on Fantastic Four, Tron: Ares, and Zootopia 2 to restore box office dominance and cap off the year strong.
