The studio's retelling of the 2002 original flattens its fuzzy blue protagonist – but could still be a box office smash

Meanwhile, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is hoping to establish a new opening weekend record for the 29-year-old franchise — a distinction that belongs to 2018’s “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” with $61 million. Overseas, “The Final Reckoning” should bring in $125 million to $130 million for a worldwide start above $200 million.

A talented baker has won plaudits from Disney after she created a life-size cake of Stitch to celebrate the release of the latest film. Mum-of-two Lara Mason, 39, made the large 3ft ‘interactive’ cake after seeing the excitement around the Lilo & Stitch movie trailer.

The official Disney manga Stitch and the Samurai is available in a 564-page omnibus edition.