Is it time to give Experiment 626 a break?
©Amazon
There’s no denying that Stitch is one of Disney’s most successful characters, especially of those created this millennium. He’s been featured in films, television shows, theme park attractions, and countless pieces of merchandise. But has it reached a point where it’s all too much?
Stitch made his first appearance in 2002’s Lilo & Stitch. The character, who was voiced by his creator (and the film’s writer/director) Chris Sanders, immediately connected with audiences who appreciated the character’s journey from uncontrollable alien monster to finding his true Ohana.
The film’s success immediately spring-boarded Stitch into the upper echelon of Disney characters. Over the next 15 years, the character would appear in 3 further direct-to-video films (2003’s Stitch! The Movie, 2005’s Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, and 2006’s Leroy & Stitch) and 3 animated television projects: Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Stitch!, and Stitch & Ai.
Lilo & Stitch VHS Notebook
However, Stitch wasn’t only featured in animation. The character also quickly became a staple in Disney theme parks. In 2004, Stitch’s Great Escape! opened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, replacing the ExtraTERRORestial Alien Encounter! That park also hosted the Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration stage show in 2009.
©Disney Stitch’s Great Escape
Stitch also made his way to the company’s international parks, starring in the Stitch Encounter attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland (which closed in 2018), Tokyo Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland as well as a makeover of the classic Enchanted Tiki Room attraction entitled The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha e Komo Mai! At Tokyo Disneyland. In addition, the character has had a large presence in parades and meet & greets.
Elvis Stitch
On top of all that, the character has been heavily merchandised, appearing on items across the spectrum of Disney souvenirs, including plushes, toys, clothing collectibles, statues, popcorn buckets, Funko Pops!, pins, and lithographs.
Vampire Stitch Popcorn Bucket in Disneyland
Despite this ubiquity, the character was not universally beloved, For example, Stitch’s Great Escape! Was often derisively called by many the worst ride in Disney World during its lifespan. Furthermore, as part of the promotion for the attraction in 2004, Disney staged a Stitch “takeover” of the Magic Kingdom, which saw the character cover Cinderella Castle is toilet paper and paint “STITCH IS KING” on the building. Yeah, it didn’t go over well.
Yikes!
And that brings us to our hot take: Maybe Stitch should be benched for a bit. Now, before anyone gets mad at us: We love Stitch. We love the character, and Lilo & Stitch ranks among the favorite Disney films of many on our team. However, his ubiquitous presence across Disney releases, events, and merchandise feels like overkill at times and the character taking a break may become a classic case of absence making the heart grow fonder. Unfortunately – – or thankfully, depending on your point of view, any benching of Stitch seems unlikely. In fact, the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch adaptation is likely setting up the character for his biggest push in years.
©Disney
Stitch is one of Disney’s most popular characters, but we could argue that giving the character a break form the public eye may actually make him more beloved. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney takes!
Disney’s NEW LOOK at Live-Action Stitch Already Has the Internet DIVIDED!
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Maybe a little less Stitch would make for a fresher feel, but Stitch is one of their biggest money makers. Although, from the very uninspiring images available for the live action movie, to the ugly ways Stitch is often represented (and has been for a while), we think Disney *IS* trying to kill the Stitch fandom. I don’t know why Disney has such contempt in so many ways for its long-time fan base, but it’s just coming out in too many ways to be a misread. We’ll continue to enjoy Disney – until we don’t, and then we’ll take our money elsewhere. But Stitch <3 is forever!
To be honest reading this actually made me upset… stitch has been around for years why get ride of things that was part of EVERYONES childhood. Disney you are changing and doing too much. You’re already doing so much for next year. PLEASE leave stitch he is PERFECTLY FINE just where he’s at!
I hate Stitch
From a merchandise standpoint, I agree we had Stitch invades movies one year followed (two years later?) by Stitch eating snacks. I doubt that they sold especially well as I see quite a few of those items on discount.
I personally love Stitch and collect his merchandise. It’s a hobby I’ve started with my 9 yr old niece. Having worked at Disney in 04-05 I will say he wasn’t as prominent as he is now so I don’t think their t e ting to get rid of him. I do in fact think they are trying to bring him to the forefront more especially ahead of the live action movie coming out. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more Stitch merchandise come out within the next 6 months.
I feel that way about a lot of other Disney characters. As long as they bring in money Disney ain’t doing 💩 at the end of the day there are company that’s just trying to make as much money as possible
How about we “bench” Encanto characters and Tiana…. I feel like those two IPs have thrown up all over everything Disney but yet I can’t find a single fan of either…