Disney Cuts Jobs at Pixar, ESPN, National Geographic

The Walt Disney Company notified affected employees Tuesday morning, with most studio-side cuts concentrated at Pixar Animation Studios and most television group reductions at National Geographic, according to Variety. The layoffs mark the company's third significant round of job cuts as part of an ongoing restructuring program.

At Pixar, the cuts are focused on production and operations, reflecting the studio's evolving needs tied to production volume and current projects, a source familiar with the layoffs told Variety. Pixar recently released two films, the original "Hoppers" and "Toy Story 5", which together grossed nearly $1.4 billion worldwide.

National Geographic had already undergone a major restructuring in 2024, when about 60 employees, roughly 13 percent of its workforce, were laid off. The latest cuts continue that downsizing.

Many of the ESPN layoffs are linked to the integration of NFL Network operations following Disney's acquisition agreement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Most affected roles are behind-the-scenes positions supporting the combined business, but some on-air personalities, including former NFL player-turned-analyst Ryan Clark and broadcaster Karl Ravech, were also let go. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo that the company reviewed its organizational structure after the NFL integration and made "difficult decisions" to position the business for the future.

Disney said it is simplifying operations to become faster, more efficient, and more technology-driven while maintaining a focus on creativity and innovation. The company employed approximately 231,000 people at the end of fiscal 2025, including about 172,000 in the United States and 59,000 internationally.