The Walt Disney Company is reportedly preparing for another round of layoffs, with as many as 1,000 positions expected to be cut in the coming weeks, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
Sources familiar with the situation told the publication that a large portion of the reductions will come from Disney’s recently consolidated marketing division. This would be one of the first significant moves under new CEO Josh D’Amaro, although insiders noted that plans for these layoffs were already in motion before his leadership began.
According to WSJ’s report: “D’Amaro’s efforts will ultimately be measured by whether he can boost the company’s stagnant stock, which has fallen by nearly half from its 2021 high and currently trades around the same price it did a decade ago.”
What’s Behind the Latest Planned Job Cuts?
The Wall Street Journal noted that Disney’s streaming profits have not matched the margins once generated by traditional television, while their box office returns also face increased pressure. At the same time, competition from major digital platforms like Amazon and YouTube has added to the challenge. In response, Disney has been looking for ways to reallocate resources toward areas with stronger growth potential, particularly in digital media.
This follows the major restructuring that began when Bob Iger returned to the company in 2022. Since then, more than 8,000 jobs have been eliminated across various divisions. Most of those cuts have taken place within entertainment, ESPN, and corporate operations, while Disney’s parks, experiences, and consumer products segment has continued to expand.
As of the end of fiscal year 2025, Disney employed roughly 231,000 people, with about 80% of its workforce tied to the experiences division. Meanwhile, the company has been working to streamline operations, including combining their marketing for entertainment, experiences, and sports under chief marketing officer Asad Ayaz. The new wave of layoffs are reportedly being internally referred to as codename “Project Imagine,” aimed to reduce costs and improve coordination across teams.
The company has not publicly confirmed the layoffs, and a specific timeline has not been announced.
