Disney Layoffs 2025: Job Cuts Hit Marketing, Finance, and TV Divisions

In another wave of restructuring, The Walt Disney Company has begun laying off several hundred employees across its global operations. The affected departments include film and TV marketing, publicity, casting, content development, and corporate finance, according to industry sources.

While Disney has not disclosed the exact number of job cuts, the company says these changes are aimed at boosting operational efficiency—not eliminating entire teams.

Departments Affected in the Latest Layoffs

According to reports, the layoffs—initiated on a Monday in early June 2025—have impacted various business units:

• Marketing for TV and Film

• Public Relations and Publicity

• Casting and Content Development

• Corporate Finance Teams

These departments play a vital role in Disney’s entertainment pipeline, and their restructuring reflects Disney’s effort to streamline workflows and reduce overlapping roles.

Recent History of Disney Layoffs

This isn’t the first round of job cuts at Disney in recent months. Here's a quick look at recent layoffs:

• March 2025: Nearly 200 jobs were cut across TV and ABC News operations.

• October 2024: 75 positions were eliminated at ABC News and local TV stations.

• September 2024: About 300 employees were let go from departments like HR, legal, and finance.

• July 2024: 140 employees, mainly from National Geographic, Freeform, and local TV stations, were laid off.

While these layoffs are smaller than the massive 8,000-job reduction in 2023, they signal that cost containment and efficiency improvements remain a top priority under CEO Bob Iger.

Disney’s Financial Outlook for 2025 Remains Strong

Despite the layoffs, Disney's financial performance shows resilience. For Q1 2025:

• Earnings surpassed Wall Street expectations

• The company projects a 16% year-over-year growth in earnings per share

• Operating income is expected to increase:

  • Double-digit growth for the entertainment and sports divisions

  • 6%–8% growth in the parks and consumer products business

As of September 2024, Disney reported a total global workforce of 233,000 employees, up from 225,000 the year before—showing that even amid cuts, hiring continues in key growth areas.

What’s Driving the Layoffs?

Disney's recent layoffs appear to be part of a broader strategy to:

• Adapt to changes in the streaming landscape

• Shift focus from traditional media to direct-to-consumer (DTC) models

• Improve cost-efficiency in a competitive entertainment market

With increasing pressure from investors to maintain profitability while navigating industry shifts, these "surgical" layoffs allow Disney to reallocate resources without dismantling entire teams.

Conclusion: What It Means for the Future of Disney

While layoffs are always difficult, Disney's current moves suggest a company looking to evolve with the times, stay competitive, and invest in high-growth sectors. With solid financial results and a forward-looking strategy, the company appears to be positioning itself for long-term success—despite the short-term impact on staff.

Key Takeaways

• Disney has laid off hundreds of employees in June 2025 across marketing, casting, and finance.

• The cuts follow a year of smaller, targeted layoffs rather than massive restructuring.

• Despite job reductions, Disney’s earnings and operating income are projected to grow in 2025.

• Layoffs reflect Disney's pivot toward efficiency and digital-first strategies in media and entertainment.