SF Chronicle links 'Lilo & Stitch' to Moana

The San Francisco Chronicle used Disney’s 2025 hit “Lilo & Stitch” as a reference point for its preview of summer 2026 movies, arguing that the studio’s live-action “Moana” arrives with a recent in-house model for audience demand. In a May 24 roundup of 13 anticipated summer releases, the Chronicle said “Moana” looked positioned to follow a path similar to the one Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” took a year earlier. Disney has already set “Moana” for a July 10, 2026 theatrical release, according to the studio’s official movie page. The company describes the film as a live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated title, with Catherine Lagaʻaia playing Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. ### Why did the Chronicle bring up “Lilo & Stitch” in a “Moana” preview? The Chronicle’s May 24 preview said Disney’s upcoming “Moana” should be watched in the context of the company’s recent live-action remake performance, specifically citing “Lilo & Stitch.” The paper’s framing placed “Lilo & Stitch” in the role of a fresh benchmark rather than a distant catalog comparison. (sfchronicle.com) (movies.disney.com) That comparison lines up with Disney’s own box-office record from 2025. Disney said in a May 27, 2025 release that “Lilo & Stitch” opened as the No. 1 film globally with $341 million, including $183 million domestically and $158.7 million internationally. ### What does Disney officially say about the new “Moana”? (eedition.sfchronicle.com) Disney’s film page says “Moana” will be released on July 10, 2026 and calls it a live-action adventure based on the Oscar-nominated animated original. The studio synopsis says Moana “answers the Ocean’s call” and travels beyond the reef of Motunui with Maui. The cast details on Disney’s site give the project a direct link to the earlier franchise. (press.disney.co.uk) Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the 2016 animated film, is listed as returning in the live-action version alongside newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia in the title role. ### How big was “Lilo & Stitch” as a theatrical test case? Disney said in October 2025 that “Lilo & Stitch” crossed $1 billion at the global box office, making it the first Motion Picture Association title of 2025 to reach that mark. (movies.disney.com) That made the film more than an opening-weekend story and gave Disney a recent example of a remake that traveled worldwide. Trade coverage from 2025 also described the film as a record-setting remake in its early run. The Hollywood Reporter said “Lilo & Stitch” moved past $400 million globally and crossed $200 million domestically faster than 2025’s top earner “A Minecraft Movie.” ### Is this the Chronicle making a broader point about Disney’s remake strategy? (thewaltdisneycompany.com) The Chronicle’s setup suggests yes, but the point is presented through the specific pairing of two titles, not as a separate reported strategy memo. By placing “Moana” among the summer’s key releases and invoking “Lilo & Stitch” as the recent example, the paper treated Disney’s remake pipeline as part of the 2026 box-office conversation. (hollywoodreporter.com) Disney’s release calendar gives that comparison a near-term test. “Moana” opens in theaters on July 10, 2026, and the Chronicle’s summer-movie package remains available on its Movies & TV section as the season approaches. (movies.disney.com) (eedition.sfchronicle.com)