3 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Walt Disney is reportedly considering thousands of job cuts as part of a major cost-reduction exercise, with some managers being asked to identify opportunities to achieve 20 per cent in annual savings. The reported restructuring comes as the entertainment giant faces growing competition in streaming, pressure on film revenues and changing consumer habits.
According to a Bloomberg News report published on November 2, citing people familiar with the discussions, Disney has asked some managers to work towards reducing annual costs by 20 per cent. The savings could come through a combination of job eliminations and cuts to other business expenses.
The exact number of employees who could be affected has not been disclosed. Disney has also not publicly announced a final layoff plan. Reuters reported that it could not immediately independently verify Bloomberg’s report, while Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Managers Asked to Identify 20% Cost Savings
The reported cost-saving exercise is expected to affect different parts of Disney’s business unevenly. Some divisions may face deeper reductions than others, although the available report does not identify which departments will be most affected.
The 20 per cent target does not necessarily mean that 20 per cent of employees will lose their jobs. Managers have reportedly been asked to identify savings through workforce reductions as well as other expense-control measures.
Disney operates across several major businesses, including television networks, film production, streaming, theme parks, consumer products and cruise operations. The company is reviewing its organisational structure and expenses as it attempts to improve efficiency while continuing to invest in future growth.
Josh D’Amaro Plans to Reinvest Part of the Savings
The restructuring is taking place under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who took over the position in March 2026. According to the Bloomberg report, D’Amaro intends to redirect part of the savings towards areas considered important for the company’s future development.
These include film and television programming, technology, theme parks and the cruise business.
Disney has been investing in its entertainment content and visitor experiences while adapting to changes in the media industry. The company is also facing pressure to deliver stronger financial performance and has promised double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share during the current fiscal year.
The reported strategy reflects an effort to reduce operating expenses while maintaining investment in businesses that could support future revenue growth.
Artificial Intelligence and Streaming Competition Add Pressure
Disney’s reported restructuring comes amid several challenges facing the global entertainment industry.
The growing use of artificial intelligence is changing production processes and corporate operations. Companies are exploring ways to use automation and technology to improve productivity and reduce expenses.
At the same time, traditional television networks are facing declining audiences as viewers increasingly shift towards streaming services and online video platforms. Disney is competing with companies such as Netflix and other major entertainment players for subscribers, advertising revenue and original content audiences.
The company has also faced weaker box-office performance in parts of its film business. International attendance at some theme parks has reportedly slowed, adding pressure to another important source of revenue.
These developments have encouraged entertainment companies to review staffing levels, business structures and long-term spending plans.
Disney Has Already Eliminated Thousands of Jobs
The latest report follows several rounds of job reductions at Disney over recent years.
In 2023, the company announced plans to eliminate approximately 7,000 positions as part of a broader cost-saving programme targeting $5.5 billion in savings under former CEO Bob Iger.
Disney also reduced hundreds of positions in 2025, while another round affected approximately 1,000 employees in April 2026. In September, Reuters reported further reductions involving a few hundred employees across human resources and technology divisions.
The company has also made cuts across businesses including ABC, Pixar, ESPN, its film studio and the Experiences division.
Disney employed approximately 231,000 people worldwide at the end of fiscal year 2025, highlighting the scale of its global operations.
Entertainment Industry Faces Wider Layoff Pressure
Disney is not alone in reviewing its workforce and operating expenses. Several major entertainment companies have announced job cuts or restructuring measures as traditional television revenues decline and streaming businesses face pressure to become more profitable.
Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment and companies associated with Paramount and Warner Bros. have also undertaken workforce reductions or organisational changes.
The shift towards digital viewing has changed the economics of entertainment. Companies must spend heavily on content and technology while competing for audiences whose viewing habits are increasingly spread across streaming platforms, social media and online video services.
What Happens Next?
For now, the reported Disney restructuring remains under consideration, and the company has not disclosed a final number of positions that could be eliminated. It is also unclear when any additional job cuts would take place or which divisions would face the largest reductions.
Disney’s fiscal 2026 earnings report, scheduled for November 17, is expected to provide an opportunity for investors to assess the company’s financial performance and cost-management priorities.
The coming months will reveal how Disney balances its cost-saving targets with investments in films, television, technology, theme parks and cruise operations.