Disney is once again implementing layoffs, affecting several hundred employees globally across various departments. These job reductions are set to take place on Monday and impact teams including those responsible for marketing in film and television, publicity, casting, development, and corporate financial operations. Disney states that these cuts are aimed at improving operational efficiency, and importantly, no entire teams are being dissolved.
While the exact number of employees impacted is still undetermined, this latest round follows a series of cuts the company has made over the past year. Notably, nearly 200 staff members were let go in March from TV and ABC News operations, along with 75 employees from ABC News and local stations in October 2024. In September 2023, Disney removed around 300 employees across various corporate sectors such as HR, legal, and finance, and just this past July, about 140 employees in the television division were affected, primarily from National Geographic and Freeform.
These ongoing layoffs appear to be more targeted compared to previous significant cuts made shortly after CEO Bob Iger’s return in 2023, which initially aimed to reduce 7,000 positions but ultimately led to over 8,000 job losses. As of late September 2024, Disney’s workforce numbered approximately 233,000, with around 171,000 based in the U.S., marking an increase from 225,000 employees a year prior.
Despite the layoffs, Disney recently surpassed Wall Street earnings expectations for the first quarter of 2025, with Iger expressing an optimistic outlook for the fiscal year. He projected a 16% increase in earnings per share year-over-year, along with anticipated double-digit growth in operating income for both the entertainment and sports segments. The theme park and consumer products division is also expected to see a 6%-8% growth in operating income.
Overall, while the layoffs reflect ongoing adjustments within the organization, Disney’s financial projections indicate potential growth and a positive path forward. As both the entertainment and theme park sectors continue evolving in a competitive landscape, Disney remains committed to adapting its workforce while aiming to foster long-term stability and success.