NEW YORK – The Walt Disney Company has announced significant layoffs, starting with 1,000 job cuts across various sectors of the business. This news comes as the company continues to adapt to changing market conditions and operational needs.
Josh D’Amaro, who became the CEO in February after Bob Iger, shared details about the layoffs. Earlier this year, Disney consolidated its marketing department, and now the cuts are expected to impact traditional television sectors, including ESPN, as well as the movie studio. Additionally, roles in product and technology, along with certain corporate functions, will be affected.
In a memo to employees obtained by The Associated Press, D’Amaro stated, “Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney.” He emphasized the need for Disney to remain agile and technologically advanced to meet future demands.
This isn’t the first time Disney has had to make difficult decisions regarding its workforce. In 2022, shortly after Iger returned as CEO, the company laid off around 8,000 employees. As of late 2025, Disney had a workforce of approximately 230,000 people.
D’Amaro, who has been with Disney since 1998 and previously led the parks division, is navigating the company through challenging times. The trend of job cuts isn’t isolated to Disney; other companies in Hollywood are also reducing their workforce. For instance, Paramount Skydance has let go of 2,000 employees, and Sony Pictures recently announced plans to cut hundreds of jobs.
As the entertainment industry evolves, companies like Disney are striving to maintain their relevance and profitability while ensuring that they can continue to offer the creativity and experiences that fans love. The future may hold more changes as these companies adapt to new realities.
