Walt Disney is considering thousands of job cuts as part of a broader cost reduction effort, with some managers asked to identify ways to achieve annual savings of 20%, on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.
The proposed reductions could involve eliminating positions and cutting other operating expenses while the impact is expected to vary across the company, with its theme parks, television networks and movie studio among the divisions facing potential changes.
The discussions remain private, and Disney has not announced a final number of positions that could be eliminated.
READ: Disney layoffs 2026: Company to cut up to 1,000 jobs (April 9, 2026)
Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro intends to redirect part of the savings toward investments in film and television programming, technology, theme parks and the company’s cruise business.
The cost-cutting effort comes as Disney seeks to deliver double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share during the current financial year.
The company is looking to reduce expenses while continuing to invest in its entertainment and experiences businesses.
The latest discussions follow several rounds of restructuring that have eliminated thousands of jobs and reduced expenses across Disney’s operations.
Previous cuts have affected multiple divisions, including ABC, Pixar, ESPN, the film studio and the experiences unit.
Disney employed approximately 231,000 people worldwide at the end of its previous fiscal year.
The company announced plans in 2023 to eliminate 7,000 jobs as part of a broader restructuring intended to reduce costs by $5.5 billion.
More recently, the Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 1 that Disney was preparing to restructure its television division, with additional job reductions expected in its legal and global affairs unit.
The latest savings targets indicate that the company is continuing to review its organizational structure and operating expenses.
Disney’s efforts come amid broader challenges for traditional entertainment businesses, including declining television revenues, competition in streaming and changing audience habits.
Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount and Warner Bros. have also reduced their workforces as companies reassess costs and operations, while competition has also expanded beyond traditional studios and television networks.
Social media platforms, online video services and streaming businesses operated by technology companies such as Amazon and Apple are competing for audiences and entertainment spending.
READ: TikTok, Disney partner to bring creator content to Disney+ (August 5, 2026)
Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles last month, Disney President Dana Walden discussed the importance of regularly reviewing organizational structures as the industry evolves.
“There is a need to constantly evaluate how you’re structured and how big is the organization,” Walden said.
She also acknowledged the growing interest of technology companies in the entertainment business.
“We must survive and thrive and grow, and that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.