Disney Bets Big on Live-Action Remakes of Lilo & Stitch and Moana
Disney’s evolving strategy around live-action remakes has reached to an unprecedented height. With upcoming releases riding on high expectations and past disappointments fresh in memory, the stakes have never been higher. The next wave of remakes may not just reflect creative ambition but redefine the future of this billion-dollar trend. Let’s explore how upcoming releases like ‘Moana’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’ are poised to shape the studio’s future.
Disney’s Live-Action Blueprint in 2025
Once a reliable box office formula, the remakes are now treading uncertain ground. Despite recent setbacks, the moviehouse isn’t stepping away just yet. Two major projects, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (releasing May 23, 2025) and ‘Moana’ (set for July 10, 2026), are already in the pipeline. Each of them carries significant production costs and expectations.
These two titles are more than just adaptations; they are litmus tests for the direction Disney might take next. Their performance will likely shape the company’s willingness to continue mining its animated library. However, that doesn’t guarantee results in a marketplace where audience preferences are increasingly unpredictable.
Should either film fail to deliver, the studio could be forced to reassess its playbook. While a total departure from live-action remakes may not be immediate, a dramatic slowdown, or even a full creative overhaul, might become inevitable.
Aftershocks of Snow White: Tangled and Others Left in Limbo
The ripple effect from the 2025 film Snow White's underwhelming box office showing has disrupted Disney’s confidence. As one of the studio’s most treasured animated classics, ‘Snow White’ was expected to carry the banner of guaranteed success. Instead, the film’s lacklustre reception has introduced caution into what was once an aggressive remake strategy.
In the aftermath, a growing sense of hesitation is becoming apparent. Tangled had already gained early momentum with the 2017 film The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey attached as director. But it has now been shelved indefinitely. Casting remained speculative, with stars like Sabrina Carpenter or Florence Pugh rumoured for Rapunzel. However, the project’s sudden freeze speaks volumes about the broader uncertainties at play. Disney seems reluctant to proceed with ambitious remakes until they regain clarity and confidence in the direction of this trend.
This isn't just about one film. Projects like ‘Hercules,’ ‘Robin Hood,’ ‘Bambi,’ and ‘The Aristocrats’ are now adrift without firm release dates. Even the planned Prince Charming feature, once attached to big names like Daisy Edgar-Jones and Chris Hemsworth, sits quietly on the shelf.
Diminishing Returns and a Shrinking Library
While ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024) delivered a solid performance at the box office, it failed to match the explosive success of its 2019 predecessor. Similarly, ‘The Little Mermaid’ managed to outperform ‘Snow White’ but still fell short of expectations. All credits go to its global revenue, hovering around USD 569 million. These results, though not catastrophic, reflect a downward trend in audience enthusiasm for Disney’s live-action adaptations.
This tempered reception is now forcing Disney to rethink its strategy. The golden age of reimagining nostalgic classics appears to be tapering off. With most of its cornerstone animated titles already adapted, Disney has started leaning on newer properties.
However, the studio can no longer bank on brand loyalty alone. Future remakes, including potential blockbusters like Frozen, carry higher risks. If viewers continue to respond with indifference, Disney may find itself repairing a strained relationship with its audience.
Potentiality of Lilo & Stitch and Moana
Among Disney’s upcoming ventures, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is already generating notable buzz as a 2025 summer contender. Slated to debut over a holiday weekend, the timing gives the film an earning advantage. The original ‘Lilo & Stitch’ had a modest revenue showing back in 2002, earning USD 273 million globally. Nevertheless, it received an Oscar nomination and grew in popularity over time.
Stitch, in particular, has evolved into an unofficial Disney mascot, widely featured in merchandise and theme parks. That evolution into an iconic figure now gives the remake more commercial and emotional weight.
The live-action trailer sparked significant excitement, amassing more than 14 million views on YouTube in March alone. Public response has leaned overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the notion that this movie is tapping into nostalgia. Consequently, it has developed a growing fan base that sees the animated movie as more than a cult classic. That goodwill could translate into major box office success, even if the original wasn’t a top-grossing title.
Meanwhile, the upcoming live-action ‘Moana’ is entering with even stronger footing. The 2016 animated version pulled in USD 643 million, and the character’s momentum only increased with a sequel. It crossed the billion-dollar mark, despite its origin as a TV project.
Plus, Dwayne Johnson reprised his role as Maui, and ‘Moana’ is now firmly embedded in Disney’s cultural identity. As a result, the upcoming adaptation has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster-in-waiting.
Verdict
‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘Moana’ are the big bets in Disney’s next wave of live-action adaptations. They face pressure following Snow White’s box office failure and uncertainty around other remakes. While ‘Lilo & Stitch’ recently drew massive trailer views, Moana’s billion-dollar sequel proves its global appeal. If both upcoming releases succeed, they could revive Disney’s confidence and open the door for renewed work on other high-profile animated classics.