Disney Announces Hundreds More Job Cuts as Part of Cost-Cutting Measures

Disney is implementing layoffs affecting several hundred employees globally, primarily impacting teams in film, television, and finance departments.

The entertainment giant has faced increasing pressure as consumer preferences shift away from traditional cable TV subscriptions toward streaming services.

A Disney spokesperson told the BBC, "As our industry transforms rapidly, we continuously assess ways to manage our business efficiently while fostering the cutting-edge creativity and innovation that our audiences expect from Disney."

These layoffs follow significant workforce reductions earlier in 2023, when approximately 7,000 employees were let go as part of CEO Bob Iger’s efforts to cut costs by $5.5 billion (£4.1 billion).

The current cuts will affect various teams, including marketing for Disney’s film and TV units, as well as casting, development, and corporate finance departments. Disney emphasizes that the layoffs are targeted and that no entire teams will be completely shut down.

Based in California, Disney employs about 233,000 people worldwide, with just over 60,000 based outside the United States. The company owns a broad portfolio of entertainment brands, including Marvel, Hulu, and ESPN.

In May, Disney reported earnings that surpassed expectations, with a revenue of $23.6 billion for the first quarter—up 7% compared to the same period in 2024. The growth was driven by an increase in Disney+ subscribers.

This year, Disney released several new movies, including Captain America: Brave New World and Snow White. The live-action remake of the classic animated film, Snow White, underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews.

Conversely, Disney’s recent release, Lilo & Stitch, set box office records in the U.S. during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Since its debut in May, the animated film has grossed over $610 million worldwide, according to industry data from Box Office Mojo.