Introduction
In 2025, Disney continues to face industry pressures as it announces hundreds more layoffs across the globe. The entertainment giant, known for its iconic brands like Marvel, Hulu, and ESPN, is restructuring to cut costs and adapt to the streaming era. This latest wave of job cuts impacts several departments, including film, television, casting, and corporate finance.
The Context Behind Disney Layoffs 2025
As audiences shift away from traditional cable TV towards streaming platforms, Disney is under pressure to reinvent its business model. Chief Executive Bob Iger, who led major layoffs in 2023, is focused on saving billions of dollars while maintaining the company’s creative edge. In May 2025, Disney reported stronger-than-expected earnings driven by Disney+ subscriber growth, but the company remains cautious about future costs.
Which Departments Are Affected by Disney Layoffs 2025?
The latest round of layoffs affects marketing teams within Disney’s film and television units, as well as casting, development, and finance departments. Despite these cuts, Disney assures that no teams will be closed entirely. A spokesperson emphasized the company’s surgical approach to minimize employee impact.
Financial Performance and Streaming Growth
Disney reported $23.6 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025—a 7% increase from the previous year—fueled primarily by Disney+ subscriptions. However, challenges remain as some recent film releases, such as the live-action Snow White remake, underperformed at the box office.
Box Office Success and Future Outlook
Despite setbacks, Disney’s animated release Lilo & Stitch broke US Memorial Day weekend box office records and has grossed over $610 million worldwide. This success highlights Disney’s continued strength in animation, even as the company streamlines its workforce.
What Disney Layoffs 2025 Mean for the Industry
The layoffs underline the entertainment industry’s ongoing transformation. Disney’s strategic cost-cutting aims to balance innovation and financial discipline in a rapidly evolving market, signaling that the streaming wars are reshaping media giants in profound ways.
