Disney Cuts Over 1,000 Jobs at Marvel Studios and Comics Division

Layoffs hit visual development team and key editorial roles as Disney streamlines operations.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:25pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and cracked film negatives, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey a sense of fragmentation and disruption within the Marvel creative teams.The layoffs at Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics signal a major upheaval in the creative teams that have defined the look and feel of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade.Burbank Today

Disney announced major layoffs this week that will cut around 1,000 jobs across the company, with Marvel Studios and the Marvel Comics division taking some of the hardest hits. The cuts include the loss of nearly the entire visual development team that has shaped the look of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over 15 years, as well as the departure of several key editorial figures in the comics division.

Why it matters

These layoffs at Marvel come at a critical time, with major upcoming projects like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars in the works. The loss of so many experienced in-house artists and editors raises concerns about whether Marvel can maintain the same level of creative quality that has built its success. The cuts also fit a larger pattern of Disney trimming expenses after years of uneven box office results and heavy spending on streaming content.

The details

According to sources, the layoffs hit workers across Marvel Studios' film and TV production, comics, franchise, finance, legal, and other departments at its offices in New York and Burbank. Notable figures who lost their jobs include David Gabriel, the Senior Vice President of Print, Sales & Marketing at Marvel Entertainment, as well as senior editors Lauren Bisom, Devin Lewis, and Darren Shan. Disney also let go nearly the entire visual development team, which has been responsible for creating the concept art and designs that defined the style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the first Iron Man film.

  • Disney announced the layoffs in a memo to staff this week.
  • The cuts come as Disney looks to streamline operations and control costs.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The new CEO of Disney who sent the memo announcing the layoffs.

David Gabriel

The former Senior Vice President of Print, Sales & Marketing at Marvel Entertainment, who lost his job in the layoffs after nearly 23 years with the company.

Marvel Studios

The film and TV production division of Marvel Entertainment, which was hit hard by the layoffs.

Marvel Comics

The comics publishing division of Marvel Entertainment, which also saw significant job losses.

Visual Development Team

The team of artists, illustrators, character designers, and environment specialists who have shaped the look of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over 15 years, the majority of whom were let go.

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What’s next

Disney says the layoffs are part of a shift to a more flexible contractor model for future creative needs, but fans and industry watchers will be closely monitoring how the loss of so many experienced in-house artists and editors impacts the quality and consistency of upcoming Marvel projects.

The takeaway

These layoffs at Marvel represent a significant blow to the creative backbone of one of Disney's most valuable franchises. While the company claims the changes will make the studio leaner and more efficient, the loss of so much institutional knowledge and talent raises real concerns about the future creative direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and comics line.