The Walt Disney Company is reportedly laying off a few hundred employees across multiple departments, including human resources and technology, according to a source familiar with the matter cited by Reuters and first reported by Variety [1]. This latest round of job cuts follows earlier workforce reductions earlier in the year, as Disney continues to restructure amid a period of significant transformation [1].
The layoffs come during a leadership transition, with Josh D'Amaro taking charge as CEO in March, as the company navigates challenges such as the rise of artificial intelligence, declining box office revenue, and heightened competition from streaming rivals [1]. In April, Disney eliminated about 1,000 positions across its marketing group, studio and TV divisions, ESPN, products and technology, and certain corporate functions, following a reorganization that began in January [1].
In July, Disney reportedly laid off several hundred employees at Pixar, ESPN, Disney Studios, and Disney Entertainment Television [1]. The company also offered voluntary early retirement packages to longtime executives in August, targeting employees in roles from director to executive vice president who had worked at Disney for at least 10 years and were at least 50 years old [1]. These packages included separation pay, continued vesting of equity awards, healthcare support at active employee rates, and continued Silver Pass access [1].
As of the end of fiscal year 2025, Disney employed about 231,000 people, with approximately 172,000 in the U.S. and 59,000 internationally [1]. Previously, Disney cut 7,000 jobs in 2023 as part of a $5.5 billion cost-saving initiative under former CEO Bob Iger [1]. The company's stock (DIS) last traded at $105.47, down 0.23 points or 0.22% [1].
CONCLUSION
Disney's latest round of layoffs underscores the company's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adapt to industry challenges. While the workforce reductions may help control costs, they reflect the broader pressures facing the entertainment giant amid leadership changes and market headwinds.