Disney reportedly planning up to 1,000 job cuts

The Walt Disney Company is preparing to cut as many as 1,000 jobs in the coming weeks, marking one of the first major moves under new chief executive Josh D’Amaro, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The layoffs are expected to affect multiple parts of the company, with a significant portion coming from Disney’s recently consolidated marketing division.

The plans were already in motion before D’Amaro formally took over, the report added.

Cost pressures drive restructuring

Disney’s latest round of job cuts reflects broader pressures facing the entertainment industry.

The company, like its peers, is adjusting to a shift in economics as streaming generates lower profits compared with traditional linear television.

At the same time, box office revenues have softened and competition from technology platforms has intensified.

Companies such as Amazon and YouTube have emerged as major rivals for audience attention and advertising dollars.

Disney is seeking to free up resources to invest in digital businesses, where it sees stronger long-term growth opportunities.

Disney’s actions are part of a broader trend across the media and entertainment sector.

Studios including Sony Pictures, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery have also implemented job cuts in recent years.

More layoffs could follow if Paramount completes its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to the report.

Part of broader workforce reduction

The planned layoffs follow a multi-year restructuring effort.

Disney has already cut more than 8,000 jobs since Bob Iger returned to lead the company in 2022.

As of the end of its 2025 fiscal year, Disney employed approximately 231,000 people, with around 80% working in its experiences division, which includes theme parks and consumer products.

Most of the workforce reductions have taken place in entertainment, ESPN, and corporate operations, while businesses such as theme parks and cruise lines have continued to expand.

Consolidation and integration efforts

Disney has been consolidating operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

In January, the company unified marketing across its entertainment, experiences, and sports divisions under a single chief marketing officer, Asad Ayaz.

The initiative, aimed at streamlining operations and cutting expenses, is internally known as Project Imagine.

The company is also integrating its streaming platforms by combining teams from Disney+ and Hulu as it works toward merging both services into a single application.

Disney has been working with consultants from Bain & Company to shape its cost-cutting strategy.

Focus on collaboration and stock performance

D’Amaro has yet to outline a detailed long-term strategy since taking over last month.

However, the report added that one of his priorities is improving coordination across divisions to enhance efficiency.

Employees had anticipated that layoffs would be part of this effort.

The effectiveness of the restructuring will ultimately be judged by its impact on Disney’s financial performance and share price.

The stock has declined nearly 50% from its 2021 peak and currently trades at levels similar to a decade ago.