Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch trailer smashes records

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake has shattered expectations with its trailer racking up 158 million views in 24 hours.

Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. Image: Instagram via @hypebeast

The latest trailer for Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake has sent fans into a frenzy. The trailer racked up 158 million views in 24 hours.

This is the second-most-watched Disney live-action trailer ever. Only The Lion King’s 2019 teaser outperformed it.

THE LILO AND STITCH TRAILER

The trailer dropped like a tropical storm, trending #1 on Twitter/X within an hour and dominating YouTube’s top spot. Even China’s Douyin platform couldn’t resist Stitch’s charm, according to Deadline.

Fans praised its faithfulness to the original’s amazing quirky spirit. One YouTube commenter raving: “This is exactly what live-action remakes should be – nostalgic but fresh!”69.

But not everyone’s thrilled. Some grumbled about humanised versions of alien characters Jumba and Pleakley.

While the film’s Hawaiian setting might feel far-flung, its themes of family (ohana) and resilience resonate universally.

THE SUPERBOWL TEASER

Director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On) promises a “wildly funny and touching” ride, blending sci-fi chaos with heart, according to Space.

Disney’s Super Bowl teaser – featuring Stitch “crashing” the field – already broke records with 173.1 million views.

The full trailer’s success suggests the film could follow suit.

The original 2002 animated hit earned R2.3 billion globally (R1.4 billion domestically)1. Could the live-action remake surpass this?

THE LILO AND STITCH TRAILER

Newcomer Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, while Zach Galifianakis and Courtney B. Vance join as the eccentric aliens, according to IMDB.

Chris Sanders reprises his role as Stitch’s voice. The trailer’s emotional core – Lilo’s bond with her sister and the mischievous alien – shines through.

As one fan noted: “It’s not just about a blue creature; it’s about finding your tribe”. Lilo & Stitch hits cinemas 23 May 2025. No streaming date yet has been announced, but Disney+ will likely follow later.

This trailer isn’t just a viral hit – it’s a cultural moment.

OHANA MEANS FAMILY

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake unites audiences worldwide with its blend of humour, heart, and intergalactic chaos.

Stitch himself declares: “Ohana means family… and family means nobody gets left behind” – a rallying cry that resonates globally.

South Africans craving a feel-good flick with a dash of sci-fi should mark their calendars for this feel-good movie. After all, who wouldn’t want a friend like Stitch?