Disney Cuts 1,000 Jobs as New CEO Takes Over

Entertainment giant Disney lays off staff amid industry-wide contraction

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of stark black and white geometric shapes, conceptually representing the downsizing and uncertainty facing the entertainment industry.Layoffs and restructuring sweep through Hollywood as the entertainment industry grapples with a changing media landscape.Los Angeles Today

Disney is set to lay off up to 1,000 employees, primarily from its marketing department, as new CEO Josh D'Amaro takes over from Bob Iger. The cuts come amid a broader contraction in the entertainment industry, with Sony also announcing hundreds of layoffs across its TV, film, and corporate divisions.

Why it matters

The layoffs at Disney and Sony reflect the significant challenges facing the entertainment industry, including declining theater attendance and a shifting media landscape. These cuts could signal further consolidation and instability in Hollywood as companies look to streamline operations and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

The details

Disney's workforce reduction of around 1,000 employees, or less than 0.5% of its 231,000 total employees, will primarily impact the company's marketing department. The cuts come as Josh D'Amaro takes over as CEO from Bob Iger. D'Amaro previously served as the chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company's parks and attractions. Separately, Sony Pictures Entertainment also announced plans to lay off hundreds of employees across its TV, film, and corporate divisions, citing a need to reorganize and maximize growth in areas like anime, YouTube, and video gaming.

  • Disney announced the layoffs in April 2026, about a month after Josh D'Amaro took over as CEO.
  • Sony Pictures Entertainment announced its own layoffs around the same time as Disney, in April 2026.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The new CEO of Disney, taking over from Bob Iger. D'Amaro previously served as the chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing the company's parks and attractions.

Bob Iger

The former CEO of Disney, who recently stepped down from the role.

Sony Pictures Entertainment

A major Hollywood studio that is also undergoing layoffs and restructuring amid industry challenges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The layoffs at Disney and Sony are indicative of the broader contraction and instability in the entertainment industry, as companies look to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and a shifting media landscape. These cuts could signal further consolidation and uncertainty in Hollywood in the coming years.