The Walt Disney Company has started another series of job cuts, affecting hundreds of employees around the world. This action is part of its broader strategy to streamline operations and lower expenses amid significant changes in the media industry.
According to a company representative, the most recent layoffs span a range of departments, such as television and film marketing, content creation, casting, and corporate finance. Though entire teams are not being eliminated, the company described the cuts as precise and targeted rather than widespread.
“In response to the rapid evolution within our industry, we’re continually assessing how to manage our businesses more efficiently, while maintaining the creative excellence and innovation that Disney is known for,” the company shared in a statement addressed to the BBC.
This development follows a major downsizing in 2023, when Disney reduced its workforce by about 7,000 positions. That round of layoffs was part of CEO Bob Iger’s plan to cut $5.5 billion in costs and restructure the company in light of shrinking cable television profits and intensified competition in streaming services.
Disney’s global workforce currently stands at approximately 233,000, with over 60,000 employees based outside the U.S.
These layoffs come despite strong financial results in early 2025. The company posted revenue of $23.6 billion for the first quarter — a 7% rise compared to the same period last year — largely fueled by the growth of Disney+, which added a significant number of subscribers.
Still, the shift from traditional broadcast and cable to streaming platforms has pushed Disney to revise both its content approach and financial strategies. Longstanding divisions like TV production and movie marketing are under pressure to operate more cost-effectively.
While Disney remains committed to investing in new content, not all projects have performed well. Earlier this year, the live-action version of Snow White fell short at the box office, receiving mixed reviews and limited audience enthusiasm. On the other hand, its animated release Lilo & Stitch achieved major commercial success, setting holiday weekend records and grossing over $610 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
Despite fluctuations in box office results, Disney retains a strong content portfolio. With ownership of properties such as Marvel, Hulu, and ESPN, the company maintains a solid presence in both traditional and digital entertainment markets.
Experts in the media field consider these layoffs part of a wider industry shift. As viewer preferences evolve and tech firms expand their media footprints, traditional entertainment companies face the challenge of balancing creativity with cost control.
“There’s a major shift happening across the entertainment landscape,” said Mia Reynolds, a media expert based in New York. “Companies such as Disney are striving to remain leaders in creativity while adapting to evolving business models. That sometimes, unfortunately, leads to job losses.”
Disney has not revealed the specific number of employees impacted in this latest round but emphasized that it is aiming to limit disruptions to current projects and existing teams.
