Disney Layoffs Hit Pixar Hard as Studio Cuts Several Hundred Jobs
The animation studio, fresh off the success of 'Toy Story 5,' sees cuts concentrated in production and operations.
“Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney.”
Pixar Animation Studios was significantly impacted by company-wide layoffs at Disney on Tuesday, according to a report from Variety. A Disney spokesperson confirmed the media conglomerate is cutting several hundred jobs across certain corporate functions.
The cuts affect ESPN, many related to the integration of NFL Network, Disney Entertainment Television, and Disney’s studios. The majority of the layoffs on the studios side are within Pixar, and the majority of cuts in the TV group are at National Geographic.
Where were the Pixar layoffs focused?
The job cuts at Pixar are concentrated in production and operations. A source familiar with the layoffs told Variety the changes reflect Pixar’s evolving needs related to production volume and the projects that are in process at the studio. More broadly, Walt Disney Studios has evolved its production strategy over the past three years to reduce overall volume and prioritize quality.
What is the recent context for these cuts?
At that time, newly appointed Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said in a memo that the company was looking to streamline operations to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce.
Pixar has released two movies in 2026: the original adventure “Hoppers” and the summer blockbuster “Toy Story 5,” which is imminently crossing the billion-dollar mark. The studio has struggled since the pandemic to launch new properties, a challenge executives have linked to the decision to send several films directly to Disney+ during COVID.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs were cut in total?
A Disney spokesperson confirmed the company is cutting "several hundred jobs" across certain corporate functions. The exact total number was not specified in the report.
Were other Disney divisions affected besides Pixar?
Yes. The layoffs also included job cuts at ESPN, many related to the integration of NFL Network, and at Disney Entertainment Television. The majority of cuts in the TV group were at National Geographic.
What was the reason given for the Pixar layoffs?
A source familiar with the layoffs said the changes reflect Pixar’s evolving needs related to production volume and the projects currently in process at the studio.
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