(Image: Disney, Pixar)
The Wrap exclusively reported today that Disney Entertainment has initiated another round of layoffs, impacting various departments and subsidiaries across the company, including ESPN, television divisions, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and National Geographic. The report noted that Walt Disney Animation Studios was hit hardest, with 116 employees cut.
A Disney spokesperson commented on the situation, stating, "These changes are part of our continual evaluation of how we manage resources and reinvest across the company as our industry continues to evolve."
(Image: Pixar)
Sources familiar with the matter also told The Wrap that financial losses from the underperformance of "Hoppers" were a contributing factor to the layoffs. The film, which had a production budget of $150 million, grossed $389.5 million worldwide. After accounting for theatrical splits and additional marketing costs, "Hoppers" reportedly fell short of breaking even. Last summer's "Elio" performed even worse, with a production budget estimated between $150 million and $200+ million, but a global box office of only $154 million. Pixar's recent original, non-sequel films have consistently underperformed compared to their heyday, raising concerns within the industry.
This marks another wave of job cuts for Disney this year. Three months prior, the company had already laid off over 1,000 employees, including members of Marvel Studios' visual development team. Disney is clearly continuing to streamline its workforce.
via： The Wrap