Walt Disney is back in layoff mode.
Just months after reporting $23.6 billion in revenue, the company has announced hundreds of new job cuts across its film, television, and finance teams. The latest round of Disney layoffs underscores the company’s intense shift from cable to streaming and the internal shake-ups that come with it.
A Disney spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the company is “continuing to evaluate ways to efficiently manage our businesses while fuelling the state-of-the-art creativity and innovation that consumers value and expect from Disney.”
These cuts follow a much larger layoff wave in 2023 that saw 7,000 roles eliminated under CEO Bob Iger’s cost-cutting push to save $5.5 billion. This latest round impacts several hundred employees globally, including in marketing, casting, and corporate finance. However, no teams are being completely shut down.
“We have been surgical in our approach to minimize the number of impacted employees,” the company said in a statement.
Disney currently employs over 233,000 workers, with more than 60,000 based internationally.
Why is Disney trimming its workforce again?
The answer lies in streaming. The global pivot from traditional cable TV to digital platforms has left legacy media companies — including Disney — scrambling to restructure. While Disney+ has been a bright spot in recent quarters, it hasn’t fully offset losses in linear television revenue.
Despite these layoffs, Disney’s financials have actually shown strength in 2025. The company reported $23.6 billion in revenue for Q1 — a 7% increase year-over-year — thanks largely to growth in its streaming platforms and big box office releases.
Hits and misses at the box office
Disney’s film division, one of the areas affected by the layoffs, has had a mixed year. “Snow White,” a live-action remake, underperformed amid negative reviews. But the company struck gold with its animated reboot of Lilo & Stitch, which brought in over $610 million globally during the Memorial Day weekend, topping even Tom Cruise’s latest release.
So why the cuts if profits are up? It’s all about long-term margins. As media consumption habits continue to evolve, Disney appears focused on realigning its workforce with future priorities — which clearly means streamlined teams, digital-first content, and leaner operations.
Streaming’s rise, cable’s fall
Streaming isn’t just the future — it’s the present. As more viewers cut the cord, Disney+ and Hulu have become focal points for the company’s strategy. ESPN, another major Disney property, is also shifting toward digital with ESPN+ and upcoming sports streaming bundles.
Bob Iger’s goal? Make Disney “a modern media company” that can innovate fast, cut excess, and retain profitability even in turbulent times.
Bottom line: If you’re working in entertainment, especially at the big studios, expect more reshuffles. Disney’s not alone — but it’s certainly leading the charge in streamlining for a post-cable world.
