It's no secret that the remake of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has left a bad taste in many mouths, just ask the folks at RottenTomatoes. However, the aftermath of this box office bomb might be the catalyst for permanent changes at the Disney studios.
Lilo and Stitch is next title on the release calendar for Disney remakes, and it just might be the end of an era. That said, Disney might limp away with some fan buzz thanks to one of its most popular (and most marketable) characters.
How Stitch could save Disney
Very few Disney films have been met with more vitriol and criticism than Snow White, but to say it was unwarranted would be untrue. From the film's forced feminist narrative to the reportedly toxic behavior of its miscast leading lady, it's a miracle Disney actually went through with its release.
With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that Disney would want to remind its fanbase of what its films can be like, and what better way with a character that already has a monstrous fan following? If Disney is going to end its era of remakes and reimagings as many predict, might as well leave them with a smile.
As a character, Stitch is a massive crowd-pleaser, his face is pasted all over every kind of merchandise you can think of, he has his own Disney Channel series, several direct-to-video sequels, an anime, and even a manga where he has adventures with a samurai. Long story short, Disney loves Stitch and so do audiences.
With the upcoming remake, Disney is truly giving Stitch a glow-up, as well as making sure he stays as true to his animated self as possible. Why else would they ask his creator and voice actor, Chris Sanders, to step back into the role? Because the studio needs to end its remake phase on a high note.
In spite of the fallout of the last remake, Lilo & Stitch is predicted to be a massive win to counteract Disney's recent loss. Some sources are even claiming it to be part of the next Barbenheimer duo alongside Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. Only time will tell.
In this writer's opinion, Stitch is going to either receive a new wave of dedicated fans or maintain his current positive reputation with little change. Fans love Stitch, a remake was inevitable, and unless this new variant completely obliterates his character, he will remain a constant presence under Disney like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh.
Stitch won't inspire another wave of remakes, especially with the recent news about Tangled, but he might help ease the transition into the next phase for the company. What that means for Disney as a whole remains unknown, but at least his remake will soften the blow.
Are you excited for Stitch's next adventure?