Disney Cuts 1,000 Jobs Under New CEO

Layoffs come as entertainment giant faces economic headwinds.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:03am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of pink-slipped envelopes, a calculator, and a single red rose on a clean white background, symbolizing the layoffs and economic uncertainty facing the entertainment industry.Disney's job cuts reflect the broader economic challenges facing the entertainment industry.Los Angeles Today

Disney has begun cutting around 1,000 jobs, one of the first major moves under the company's new CEO Josh D'Amaro. In an internal memo, D'Amaro cited the significant changes the company and industry have faced in recent years as the reason behind the layoffs.

Why it matters

Disney's job cuts reflect the broader economic challenges facing the entertainment industry, including declining viewership, increased competition from streaming services, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The layoffs signal that even a media powerhouse like Disney is not immune to these pressures and must make difficult decisions to streamline operations.

The details

According to the memo obtained by media outlets, Disney will be cutting around 1,000 positions as part of the changes under the new CEO. D'Amaro stated that the company has 'experienced a great deal of change these last few years, both at the company and across our industries'.

  • Disney began the job cuts on April 14, 2026.

The players

Disney

U.S. entertainment and media giant.

Josh D'Amaro

The new CEO of Disney who announced the job cuts.

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What they’re saying

“We have experienced a great deal of change these last few years, both at the company and across our industries.”

— Josh D'Amaro, CEO, Disney

The takeaway

Disney's job cuts highlight the ongoing challenges facing the entertainment industry, as companies must adapt to shifting consumer preferences, increased competition, and economic headwinds. The layoffs signal that even industry giants are not immune to these pressures and must make difficult decisions to streamline operations and remain competitive.