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Stitch Becomes Disney’s MVP for 2025!
The mischievous alien has officially crash-landed at the top of the entertainment world. In 2025, Stitch proved that he is no longer just a cult favorite—he is a billion-dollar powerhouse. From starring in a record-breaking film to moving $4 billion in merchandise, the adorable star of Lilo & Stitch has become the ultimate example of the “Disney Flywheel” in action.
“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, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Related-Stitch and Disney VoluntEARS Deliver Holiday Magic to Kids Around the World
The Billion-Dollar “Blue Wave”
The cornerstone of Stitch’s massive year was the 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. The film became a global sensation, achieving milestones that few thought possible for a hybrid feature. It grossed $1.04 billion theatrically, spending much of the year as the #1 film until it was narrowly passed by Zootopia 2.
The success translated seamlessly to the home screen. When the movie hit Disney+ in September, it garnered 14.3 million views in just its first five days. Interest in the remake was so high that content from the original franchise surpassed 640 million viewing hours on the platform before the new film even premiered.
Related-Stitch Helps Walt Disney World Cast and Guests Donate Over 25,000 Toys for Families…
The $4 Billion Merchandise Phenomenon
While the movie brought people to theaters, the merchandise brought Stitch into homes. Disney reported that retail sales for Stitch consumer products surged past $4 billion in fiscal 2025.
This isn’t just about plushies; it’s a cross-generational movement. Millennials who grew up with the 2002 original are now introducing “Experiment 626” to their own children. As Disney CEO Bob Iger noted to analysts, this strategy of investing in popular stories and characters creates an “emotional connection” that translates directly into retail strength.
Taking the Torch from Mickey Mouse
In one of the most surprising moves of the year, Stitch actually took over for Mickey Mouse as the face of the annual Disney Holiday Magic Tour. The blue alien journeyed to over 20 cities across the country, surprising fans and working with Toys for Tots to deliver gifts to families in need.
On December 10, Stitch even made his Broadway debut. After the curtain call for Aladdin, Stitch “crashed” the stage, singing “A Whole New World” and leading the audience in a standing ovation for charity. While Mickey Mouse is still expected to lead in overall lifetime sales, Stitch’s dominance this year proves he is a legitimate successor to the Disney throne.
Why Stitch?
According to Ayaz, Stitch’s secret weapon is his authenticity. He is “joyfully imperfect,” reflecting how many of us move through the world—stumbling, making mistakes, but always finding our way back to ‘ohana (family).
In a world of abundant entertainment, Stitch has proven that truly iconic intellectual property is scarce and valuable. He hasn’t just replaced Mickey for a season; he has carved out a permanent place as a global cultural phenomenon that resonates across every language and culture.
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