By Michaela Gordoni
If you’ve kept up with the news or even just walked around your local Walmart in 2025, then you already know Stitch has been the face of Disney for 2025 — and here’s why.
“When you look at some of our most famous and long-lasting characters, it’s the ones who are fun, silly, a little rambunctious but they always do the right thing in the end. And Stitch is exactly that,” Asad Ayaz, The Walt Disney Co.’s chief brand officer, said. “He is flawed in ways we all recognize: sometimes being a little naughty, but always trying his best. That authenticity, and instant familiarity, is what transforms a character into a cultural phenomenon that resonates across generations.”
Through Disney’s live-action remake of the 2002 classic, it gained a fan base among younger generations while reviving interest in older ones. The live-action was Hollywood’s first billion-dollar movie of the year, LA Times reported.
In 2025, Disney had a FANTASTIC FOUR reboot, TRON sequel and a live-action SNOW WHITE, but LILO & STITCH was the most successful.
When it launched on Disney+ in September, it passed 14.3 million views in its first five days. The original LILO & STITCH movies passed 640 million viewing hours on the platform before the live-action came out.
LILO & STITCH retail products passed an impressive $4 billion in sales this year. Move over, Mickey.
“The popularity of this global phenomenon underscores the franchise’s enduring strength and the effectiveness of our strategy to invest in popular stories and characters,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said.
“Stitch connects because he’s joyfully imperfect,” Ayaz says. “His playful mischief and big heart reflect how many of us move through the world — trying, stumbling and always finding our way back to ‘ohana. That authenticity makes him totally relatable. He translates into every culture and every language because he feels like he’s part of the family. “
In July, Disney announced that a live-action LILO & STITCH 2 is already in development.
Part of Movieguide®’s review of the 2025 live-action movie reads, “The live action LILO & STITCH is lots of fun, with touching moments of rescue and redemption. Sometimes, however, the comical action is awkwardly shot.”
“Eventually, Lilo’s love and devotion change Stitch’s heart, allowing him to feel love and want to be part of her family. Lilo won’t quit loving Stitch no matter how much trouble he causes. The live action LILO & STITCH has lots of comical action violence, however, and very brief light foul language. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.”
We can see why everyone loves Stitch.
Read Next: LILO & STITCH Sets 2025 Record With $1 Billion
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