Disney Lays Off Hundreds Amid Streaming Wars and AI Shifts

Walt Disney has begun laying off hundreds of employees across its human resources and technology departments. The move comes as the entertainment giant navigates a challenging period shaped by artificial intelligence, declining box office revenue, and intense competition from streaming rivals.

The layoffs are said to affect 'a few hundred' employees, although an exact figure was not provided. This is in addition to 1,000 positions eliminated across the marketing group in April as part of a broader reorganization effort.

Disney's workforce has been impacted by job cuts in recent years, including 7,000 roles cut in 2023 as part of efforts to save $5.5 billion in costs under former CEO Bob Iger. The company employed approximately 231,000 people as of its fiscal year-end 2025, with around 172,000 based in the US and 59,000 outside the country.

Josh D'Amaro took charge as Disney's CEO in March, bringing Paul Roeder on board as chief communications officer. The appointment marked a significant change for the company, which has been grappling with shifting market dynamics and the rise of streaming services.