Disney has confirmed another significant round of job cuts this week, with hundreds of employees from its television and film divisions losing their positions. The cuts come amid the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adapt to the rapidly changing media environment.
The layoffs, affecting primarily Disney Entertainment departments—including marketing, publicity, casting, development, and some corporate finance roles—were formally executed on Monday, June 2. While no entire teams have been eliminated, Disney spokespersons say the cuts impact “several hundred” positions.
“This is part of the industry’s fast-paced transformation and our focus on operating more efficiently,” a Disney spokesperson said Monday.
This latest move underscores the seismic shift in consumer behavior, with audiences flocking to streaming platforms like Disney+ rather than traditional broadcast television or movie theaters. Disney and its competitors have struggled to keep pace with this shift, which has led to major financial headwinds in the industry.
Ongoing Layoffs Reflect a Broader Cost-Cutting Push
Disney’s new wave of layoffs follows earlier rounds of job cuts dating back to early 2023, shortly after CEO Bob Iger returned to lead the company. Iger had previously retired from the CEO role in 2020, only to come back amid a challenging financial climate for the entertainment giant.
In an earnings call last year, Iger outlined a plan to lay off 7,000 employees, part of a broader effort to slash billions in expenses and reposition the company for long-term success.
“We’re restructuring Disney to be leaner and more resilient, with a sharper focus on our highest priorities,” Iger said at the time.
Indeed, the cuts have been sweeping. In September 2024, Disney let go of around 300 employees in corporate departments like HR, finance, and legal, according to Deadline. Other layoffs targeted creative and operational teams at well-known Disney properties such as Pixar, National Geographic, and Freeform. In March 2025, the company axed nearly 6% of its workforce across ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks.
Streaming Surges Even as Layoffs Continue
Despite these deep workforce reductions, Disney’s latest earnings report shows clear momentum in its streaming ventures. Disney+ saw an eye-catching increase of 126 million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2025—a clear sign of shifting viewer habits.
The company’s overall revenue for the second quarter of 2025 rose to $23.6 billion, a 7% gain compared to the same period last year. This growth suggests that while Disney is cutting back in some areas, its streaming platforms remain a bright spot for the media behemoth.
Navigating an Industry in Flux
Disney’s restructuring and ongoing layoffs highlight a dilemma that many legacy media companies face: how to stay relevant in an industry dominated by streaming and digital consumption. The layoffs also underscore the growing pains of balancing traditional media businesses with the exploding popularity of platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.
For Disney employees, the latest cuts are a reminder of the human impact behind corporate restructuring. Although the company remains one of the world’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates, the realities of an evolving consumer landscape mean even the biggest names in Hollywood aren’t immune to painful decisions.
The June 2 round of layoffs was first reported by Deadline, adding another chapter to Disney’s turbulent effort to adapt and thrive in a new era of media consumption.
