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The live-action remake of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" debuted as the top-grossing film of the Memorial Day weekend, exceeding expectations by outperforming "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One" and "Top Gun: Maverick". Its success is attributed to strong nostalgia among younger Millennials and older Gen Z (Zillennials), who grew up with the original 2002 film and its extensive merchandise. The film's theatrical release, a strategic shift from Disney's initial streaming plan, proved a smart move, tapping into this demographic's lingering affinity for the cinematic experience. This success signals a potential resurgence of theatrical releases fueled by nostalgia, particularly targeting the sizable Zillennial market.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.