Disney Plans Another Round of Layoffs Amid Restructuring

The entertainment giant aims to cut costs and streamline operations as it faces broader industry pressures.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a stack of neatly organized office supplies and documents, symbolizing the corporate strategy and finance challenges facing Disney as it undergoes a major restructuring.As Disney navigates a turbulent media landscape, its latest round of layoffs reflects the need to streamline operations and cut costs to appease shareholders.Burbank Today

Disney is set to announce another round of layoffs, with approximately 1,000 workers expected to be impacted, primarily in the recently consolidated marketing department. The move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort under new CEO Josh D'Amaro, who took over from Bob Iger earlier this year. Disney has been working to cut costs and coordinate its operations across divisions, particularly in its streaming services, as it faces challenges in the entertainment industry.

Why it matters

Disney's latest round of layoffs reflects the broader pressures facing the entertainment industry, including softening traditional TV profits, muted box-office returns, and the unprofitability of streaming. The company is aiming to free up capital for its faster-growing digital businesses, but the cuts also come as Disney's stock has struggled, trading at Covid-era lows since mid-2022.

The details

The layoffs will primarily impact Disney's recently consolidated marketing department, with the company's plan to unite the marketing group and reduce expenses code-named 'Project Imagine'. Disney is also combining the staff of its Disney+ and Hulu streaming services as it works to merge the two brands into a single app. The company has been working with consultants from Bain & Co. to strategize its cost-cutting efforts.

  • Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro took over from Bob Iger earlier this year.
  • Iger launched major restructuring efforts that included the elimination of more than 8,000 jobs, mostly in entertainment, ESPN, and corporate units.
  • The latest round of layoffs, which could be announced in the near term, is expected to impact approximately 1,000 workers.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The current CEO of Disney, who took over from Bob Iger earlier this year.

Bob Iger

The former CEO of Disney, who returned in 2022 to lead the company's restructuring efforts.

Asad Ayaz

Disney's chief marketing officer, who is leading the 'Project Imagine' initiative to unite the company's marketing efforts across divisions.

Bain & Co.

The consulting firm that has been working with Disney to strategize its cost-cutting efforts.

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What they’re saying

“This transition comes at a moment when the world is changing faster than ever. While that can feel daunting at times, it is also exciting.”

— Josh D'Amaro, Disney CEO

What’s next

Disney is expected to announce the latest round of layoffs in the near future, as the company continues its efforts to streamline operations and cut costs amid broader industry challenges.

The takeaway

Disney's latest round of layoffs, targeting its marketing department, highlights the company's struggle to adapt to changing industry dynamics, including the rise of streaming and the softening of traditional media profits. The cuts also come as Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, works to reshape the company and appease shareholders, who have seen the stock struggle in recent months.